Networking Basics - What is a Network? Types of Networks Explained (PAN, LAN, CAN, MAN, WAN)

Networking Basics – Part 1: What is a network and types of Network

Welcome to the networking basics series. This is part 1, where we learn about networks and their types in simple and easy wording. Understanding networks is impo­­­­rtant for IT students and professionals, and also for those users who use digital technologies.

In this article, we will explore what is network, their importance and uses, including types PAN, LAN, CAN, MAN, and WAN. At the end of the networking basics series, you will have a good understanding of networks and their types. We will also learn about network topologies and network devices in the upcoming part of this series.

What is a Network?

A network is a group or system in which two or more devices are connected to share data, information, and resources.

In easy words, we can say that:

A group of multiple devices, such as a computer, laptop, mobile phones, printer, and camera, are connected to each other for sharing information.

A computer send file, a message, or any kind of information to another device, which means they are connected to each other, and both devices become part of a network.

Real-time example:

You have a laptop, mobile, and printer at home, and they are all connected to the same Wi-Fi network, which means they are grouped and part of the network.

Ever wonder how user get access in a network, must read Permissions to understand the concept.

Nodes & links in a Network

Nodes

All devices that are connected to each other using the same network are called nodes. Nodes can be any devices that can send, receive, or process data within a network.

Some commonly used devices:

• Computer
• Laptop
• Mobile phone
• Printer
• Router
• Server
• IP camera

Real-time example:

In a university lab, they have 20 computers, 2 printer and 3 laptops that are connected, that’s mean the lab network contains 25 nodes.

Links

A link is a connection that joins multiple devices together within a network. There are two types of networks:

• Wired Connection
• Wireless connection

In a network, some devices are connected using wires, and some devices are connected using signals. Both are explained below:

Wired Connection

In a wired connection, devices are connected to each other using physical cables.

Some commonly used types of networks:

• Ethernet cable
• Fiber optic Cable
• Coaxial cable

Example:

Computers are connected to switches or routers using LAN cables.

Wired connections provide high speed and stable connections, and less interference from other devices.

Wireless Connection

In a wireless connection, devices are connected to each other through wireless signals without cables.

Wireless connections:

• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• Mobile data
• Infrared

Example:

Your laptop is connected to a router using Wi-Fi.

Wireless provides an essay setup, and any devices can use it within range.

Some Key features of the network

Connection: All devices are connected to each other using physical cables or wireless, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.

Sharing Resources: Users can share resources like files, data, and information with each other using devices like computers, laptops, etc.

Communication: users can exchange messages, data, information, such as email, chatting, video calls, voice calls, and file transfer, etc.

Centralized Management: Usually, a network administrator or IT manager can control and manage the network.

you can read the detailed guide, If you also want to learn about network troubleshooting and commands, Windows CMD and PowerShell are very use full tools.

Types of Networks

Networks are divided into different categories depending on the size of the coverage area of each network. Every type has a different coverage area, purpose, speed, and cost.

These types are generally divided into five categories:

• PAN (personal area network)
• LAN (Local Area Network)
• CAN (Campus Area Network)
• MAN (Metropolitan area network)
• WAN (wide area network)

All these types are designed for different purposes and coverage areas.

PAN (personal area network)

PAN (personal area network) is a small network that only works over a short distance. It covers an area of around 5 meters to 10 meters, and it only connects nearby devices. Wi-Fi is the biggest example of PAN.

In easy words, we can say that:

PAN is used to connect a single user's personal devices. A user can transfer data from mobile to laptop, connect mobile to Bluetooth, connect wireless devices using Wi-Fi, and connects smartwatch to a smartphone.

PAN technologies

PAN commonly depends on wireless technologies, which involve:

• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• USB connection
• Infrared
• NFC

These technologies are commonly used in PAN.

Example:

Your mobile is connected to Bluetooth earbuds or your laptop is connected to a wireless mouse, which means they are connected within a PAN network.

LAN (Local Area Network)

LAN (Local area network) is a network that cover small area, like a school, offices, a home, and labs. It covers an area of 1 kilometre or less, and typically the speed is 100 MBPS or 1 GBPS.

In easy words, we can say that:

LAN is a network that connects multiple devices within a small area. Some common network devices are require for operate a LAN, like switches, routers, access points, and network interface cards.

LAN technologies

In a LAN Computer and other devices are connected using both wired and wireless technologies. Ethernet cables and fiber optic cables are commonly used in wired connection while Wi-Fi is used in wireless connections.

Example:

In your office, you have 20 computers and 1 printer connected using a LAN network.

CAN (Campus Area Network)

CAN (campus area network) is a network that connects multiple LAN networks within a single Network. It is used in colleges, universities, research centers, and organizations. It usually covers an area of 1km to 5km, which is why it is larger than LAN.

In easy words, we can say that:

The purpose of CAN is to connect different buildings within a network so that users can share data and resources easily. Can used high speed technologies.

Example:

A university has different departments (Computer department, engineering department, medical department, offices, library) that are all connected through one network. All departments' LANs are connected together within CAN.

MAN (Metropolitan area network)

MAN (metropolitan area network) is a network that covers a large area or an entire city. Man coverage is usually 5km to 50 km. MAN is usually slow that LAN. Its speed is generally 10 MBPS to 100 Mbps or 1 GBPS.

In easy words, we can say that:

MAN is a city-level network that connects multiple networks within a city. It uses technologies like fiber optic cables, high-speed routers, metro Ethernet, and microwave links.

Example:

MAN connects multiple networks within a city, like Government office networks, cable TV, the whole city's internet service, and bank branches, etc.

WAN (wide area network)

WAN (wide area network) is a network that covers a very large geographical area. It connects multiple cities, countries, and continents. Its typical speed is around 10 MBPS, 100 MBPS or 1 GBPS. WAN is the most famous Internet that connects millions of networks. It is also known as the Internet.

In easy words, we can say that:

WAN covers a large area and links different parts of the world. It is used for long-distance communication and data transfer. International communication, online services, and internet access are possible because of the WAN.

It used technologies like fiber optic, satellite links, leased lines, submarine cables, and internet infrastructure.

Example:

If a user in Pakistan opens a website that is hosted in the UK, then the connection is established using the WAN network.

Comparison table

Every Computer in a network system needs an operating system to manage resources and network communication. Windows, Linux, & MacOS are the most popular operating systems used in networking.

Interview questions to remember

Define Network?
Answer: A network is a type of group or system in which two or more devices are connected to each other for sharing data, information, and different resources.

Name the two basic components of a network?
Answer: nodes, which are called devices, while a link is a connection that joins multiple devices.

Tell the difference btw wire and a wireless connection?
Answer: In a wired connection, devices are connected to each other using physical cables, while in a wireless connection, devices are connected to each other through wireless signals without cables.

Define the purposes of a network.
Answer: The main purposes of a network are communication, resource sharing, connection, and centralized management.

What are nodes and links?
Answer: All devices that are connected to each other using the same network are called nodes, while a link is a connection that joins multiple devices together within a network.

Define PAN or its coverage area?
Answer: PAN (personal area network) is the smallest network that only cover short distance. It covers an area of around 5 to 10 meters.

Define the speed and coverage area of a LAN?
Answer: It covers the area of 1 kilometre or less, and typically the speed is 100 MBPS or 1 GBPS.

Define the purpose of CAN?
Answer: The purpose of CAN is to connect different buildings within a network so that users share data and resources easily.

Define the coverage area and the speed of the MAN?
Answer: Man coverage is usually 5km to 50 km. MAN is usually slow that LAN. Its speed is generally 10 MBPS to 100 Mbps or 1 GBPS.

Define WAN?
Answer: WAN (wide area network) is a network that covers a very large geographical area. It connects multiple cities, countries, and continents.

Which technologies are used in WAN?
Answer: It used technologies like fiber optic, satellite links, leased lines, submarine cables, and internet infrastructure.

Which type of network is known as internet?
Answer: WAN is the most famous Internet that connects millions of networks. It is also known as the Internet.

Tells difference between LAN and PAN?
Answer: PAN (personal area network) is a small network that only works over a short distance, while LAN (Local area network) is a network that cover small area like a school, offices, home, and labs.

Which network do you use if you want to connect multiple buildings in a university campus?
Answer: I will use CAN (campus area network).

Which network is used by international companies to connect offices?
Answer: WAN (Wide Area Network) is used by international companies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a network is a system that connects different devices for communication, data sharing, and multiple resources. Networks are useful because they are used for multiple purposes. It is very difficult for organizations, businesses, schools, and other industries to exchange information without networks.

Networks and their types have become an important part of life, from home to large communities, which all depend on networks and the internet. Network divide into different categories depending on size and geographical coverage.

Overall, networks play an important role in today’s digital world. Understanding the concept of networks and their types is useful for students and beginners because it forms the foundation of many advanced technologies.

Networking basics series

• Part 1: What is a Network and the Types of Networks
• Part 2: Network topologies explained for beginners
• Part 3: Network devices Explained Deeply for beginners

Read next: Networking Basics - Part 2: Network topologies explained for beginners

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