Network Categories
The primary categories that describe a network’s size and extent are:
-Local Area Networks (LAN)
-Wide Area Networks (WAN)
-Metropolitan, Campus, and Other Network Coverage Areas
-The Internet
-Intranets
-Extranets
-Enterprise Networks
Local Area Networks (LAN)
A local area network is a self-contained network that spans a small area, such as a single building, floor, or room.
Wide Area Networks (WAN)
A wide area network is a network that spans multiple geographic locations.
Metropolitan, Campus, and Other Network Coverage Areas
A metropolitan area network (MAN), which covers an area equivalent to a city or other municipality.
A campus area network (CAN), which covers an area equivalent to an academic campus or business park.
A global area network (GAN), which is any worldwide network.
The Internet
The Internet is the single largest global WAN, linking virtually every country, continent, and organization in the world.
Internet standards and practices are overseen by an international consortium that is coordinated by the Internet Society (ISOC).
Intranets
An intranet is a private network that employs Internet-style technologies.
Extranets
An extranets is a private network that employs Internet-style technologies to enable communications between two or more separate companies or organizations.
Enterprise Networks
An enterprise network is a network that encompasses all the separate network components employed by a particular organization.
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