Network Types

A key of network security is "know thy system". You cannot secure something that you do not understand or know how it works. In order to be proficient in network security, you have to understand the different types of networks since each network type poses different challenges, issues and risks. There are many types of networks which are used worldwide these days, both in houses and commercially we will discuss only seven which are most popular. 

LAN - Local Area Networks LAN connects network devices over a relatively short distance i.e. small offices, home, internet cafes etc. LAN uses TCP/IP network protocol for communication between computers. LAN is often but not always implemented as a single IP subnet. Since LAN is operated in short area so It can be control and administrate by single person or organization. • In a "peer-to-peer" network, in which communication is carried out from one computer to another, without a central computer, and where each computer has the same role. • In a "client/server" environment, in which a central computer provides network services to users.

LAN Sample

WAN - Wide Area Networks
As word 'Wide' implies, WAN, wide area network cover large distance for communication between computers. WAN is distributed collection of geographically LANs. A network connecting device router connects LANs to WANs. WANs are an important piece of enterprise networks. WAN used network protocols like ATM, X.25, and Frame Relay for long distance connectivity.
• The most well-known WAN is the Internet.

WAN Sample

 

WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network 
A LAN based on WiFi wireless network technology  Unlike LAN, in WLAN no wires are used, but radio signals are the medium for communication. Wireless network cards are required to be installed in the systems for accessing any wireless network around. Mostly wireless cards connect to wireless routers for communication among computers or accessing WAN, internet.

WLAN Sample

MAN - Metropolitan Area Network
A network spanning a physical area larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, such as a city. This kind of network is not mostly used but it has its own importance for some government bodies and organizations on larger scale. MAN, metropolitan area network falls in middle of LAN and WAN, It covers large span of physical area than LAN but smaller than WAN, such as a city
• A MAN is made from switches or routers connected to one another with high-speed links (usually fibre optic cables).  

MAN Sample

CAN - Campus Area Network
Networking spanning with multiple LANs but smaller than a Metropolitan area network, MAN. This kind of network mostly used in relatively large universities or local business offices and buildings.

CAN Sample

 

SAN - Storage Area Network
SAN technology is used for data storage and it has no use for most of the organization but data oriented organizations. Storage area network connects servers to data storage devices by using Fiber channel technology.  

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SAN Sample