Classification of a Computer Networks

• Local Area Network (LAN)


  A computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area, such as a small network in a residence, school lab, university campus, or office
• LAN


  • Computers can communicate with each other internally (Residential area)
  • Can be wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi)
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)


  A computer network that interconnects computers in a geographic region, such as two branches of a company in a city
• MAN


  • Connects two or more LANs
  • Devices used: switches, hubs, routers, bridges
• Wide Area Network (WAN)


  A telecommunications network that extends over a large geographical area, such as communication between computers in different cities or countries
• WAN


  • Connects two or more LANs over a large distance
  • Devices used: routers, modems, etc.
• Internet


  A wide-area network that connects many LANs, MANs, and WANs globally
• Online collaboration allows participants to collaborate remotely without being physically present in the same location
• Cloud computing


  On-demand availability of computer resources, especially data storage, without direct involvement in management