Types of Networks
There are multiple types of networks applied in different scenarios.
Local Area Network (LAN)
Local Area Netwrok (LAN)
A LAN connects devices over a short distance, typically within a building or campus.
A LAN typically uses Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi to connect devices, allowing for high-speed data transfer and resource sharing.
Key Characteristics:
- Geographical Scope: Limited to a small area.
- High Data Transfer Rates: Typically faster than wider networks.
- Resource Sharing: Enables sharing of printers, files, and other resources.
A school network connecting computers, printers, and servers within a single building is a classic example of a LAN.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is similar to a LAN but uses wireless technology (such as Wi-Fi) to connect devices.
Key Characteristics:
- Mobility: Allows devices to connect without physical cables.
- Flexibility: Supports mobile devices like laptops and smartphones.
- Security Considerations: Wireless networks can be more vulnerable to unauthorised access.
A coffee shop offering free Wi-Fi to its customers is an example of a WLAN in action.
Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN)
Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN)
A logical grouping of devices within a LAN, allowing them to communicate as if they were on the same physical network, even if they are not.
Key Characteristics:
- Segmentation: Divides a physical network into separate logical networks.
- Improved Security: Isolates sensitive data and resources.
- Flexibility: Allows for easy reconfiguration without changing physical connections.
A company might use VLANs to separate its HR, sales, and IT departments, ensuring that each has access only to relevant resources.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN)
A WAN connects devices across large geographic areas, such as cities or countries.
Key Characteristics:
- Geographical Scope: Covers large areas, often using leased telecommunication lines.
- Integration of LANs: Connects multiple LANs to form a larger network.
The Internet is the largest WAN, connecting networks worldwide.
WANs often rely on technologies like fiber optics, satellites, and microwave transmissionto achieve long-distance connectivity.
Storage Area Network (SAN)
A Storage Area Network (SAN) is a specialised network that provides high-speed access to consolidated storage devices.
Storage Area Network (SAN)
A specialised network that provides high-speed access to consolidated storage devices.
Key Characteristics:
- Dedicated Storage: Connects servers to storage devices like disk arrays and tape libraries.
- High Performance: Optimised for data storage and retrieval.
- Scalability: Easily expands to accommodate growing storage needs.
A SAN is commonly used in data centers to ensure that servers have fast and reliable access to large volumes of data.
Personal Area Network (PAN)
Personal Area Network (PAN)
A PAN is designed for personal use, typically within 10 meters.
Key Characteristics:
- Devices: Connects personal devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
- Technologies: Often uses Bluetooth or USB connections.
- Range: Limited to about 10 meters.
A PAN might connect a smartphone to a wireless headset and a smartwatch, allowing seamless communication between devices.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network
Peer-to-peer (P2P)
A decentralized network architecture where each participant (peer) acts as both a client and a server, sharing resources directly with other peers without relying on a central server.
Key Characteristics
- Decentralisation: No central server, each peer shares resources directly with others.
- Scalability: Easily expands as more peers join the network.
- Use Cases: Commonly used for file sharing and distributed computing.
P2P networks are often used in applications like BitTorrent, where users share files directly with each other.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the Internet and allows remote users to access a private network as if they were directly connected to it.
Key Characteristics:
- Security: Encrypts data to protect it from unauthorised access.
- Remote Access: Allows users to connect to a private network from remote locations.
- Privacy: Masks the user's IP address, enhancing online privacy.
Employees working from home can use a VPN to securely access their company's internal network.
While speaking of different types of networks, it is essential to distinguish between the terms internet, intranet and extranet:
- Internet
- A global network connecting billions of devices worldwide.
- Provides access to services like the World Wide Web, email, and online gaming.
- Intranet
- A private network used within an organisation.
- Restricted to authorised users, often protected by firewalls.
- Extranet
- An extension of an intranet that allows controlled access to external users.
- Used to share information with partners, suppliers, or customers.
Understanding these network types is essential for designing efficient and secure communication systems.
What types of networks should an international IT company use?
