Types of Networks

Network	Diagram (image)	Brief Description	Main components	Main difference with the rest	Benefits (at least 2)
Local Area Network		Is a computer network that interconnects computers in a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building using network media.	Network adapter, Network medium, cable connectors, power supply, Hub/switch/router, network software	Is a computer network that interconnects computers in a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building using network media.	1. Centralized IT administration 2. Reduced operating costs
Wireless LANs		Links two or more devices using some wireless distribution method (typically spread-spectrum or OFDM radio), and usually providing a connection through an access point to the wider Internet.	The mix of location based services and wireless LAN is creating many possibilities for improving security and enabling location aware advertising because of easier installation and mobility.	Links two or more devices using some wireless distribution method (typically spread-spectrum or OFDM radio), and usually providing a connection through an access point to the wider Internet.	1.Installation Speed and Simplicity 2. Reduced Cost-of-Ownership
Personal Area Networks		Is a computer network used for communication among computerized devices, including telephones and personal digital assistants.	PANs can be used for communication among the personal devices themselves (intrapersonal communication), or for connecting to a higher level network and the Internet (an uplink).	Is a computer network used for communication among computerized devices, including telephones and personal digital assistants.	1. Benefits from extremely short range. 2. Replacing the cables between a computer and its peripherals, so minimal range is desired to avoid interference with other nearby computers.
Metropolitan Area Network		Is a computer network that usually spans a city or a large campus.	Usually interconnects a number of local area networks (LANs) using a high-capacity backbone technology, such as fiber-optical links, and provides up-link services to wide area networks (or WAN) and the Internet.	Is a computer network that usually spans a city or a large campus.	1. The bandwidth (potential speed) of the connecting links. 2. Some installations allow multiple users to share the same high-speed Internet connection
Wide Area Network		Is a network that covers a broad area (i.e., any telecommunications network that links across metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries) using private or public network transports.	Relay data among employees, clients, buyers, and suppliers from various geographical locations. In essence, this mode of telecommunication allows a business to effectively carry out its daily function regardless of location.	Is a network that covers a broad area (i.e., any telecommunications network that links across metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries) using private or public network transports.	1. used by corporations or organizations to facilitate the exchange of data between their computers in dispersed offices. 2. All the computers on the network are connected to central database on the server.
Storage Area Network		Is a dedicated network that provides access to consolidated, block level data storage.	used to make storage devices, such as disk arrays, tape libraries, and optical jukeboxes, accessible to servers so that the devices appear like locally attached devices to the operating system. A SAN typically has its own network of storage devices that are generally not accessible through the local area network by other devices.	Is a dedicated network that provides access to consolidated, block level data storage.	1. Can be easier to manage than other storage systems. By consolidating information into one easily accessible place 2. Increased efficiency.
Virtual Private Network		Extends a private network across public networks like the Internet.	It enables a host computer to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if they were an integral part of the private network with all the functionality, security and management policies of the private network.	Extends a private network across public networks like the Internet.	1.Is a private network 2.All the information keeps in your documents, just for you.
Virtual LAN