Types of Computer Networks

Computer networks are of many different types such as Personal area network (PAN), Local area network (LAN), Metropolitan area network (MAN), Campus area network (CAN), Storage area network (SAN) and Wide area network (WAN). The computer networks which are designed for personal use are known as PAN or personal area networks. A PAN network is typically on an area of 20 to 30 feet. When we need the facility of network to be used on a really small commercial area or in small computer labs, we prefer LAN. LANs are capable of higher data transfer within small geographical area. LAN usually operates at a speed of Giga Bit. CAN is larger network than LAN. CAN is usually established in university campus to establish a connection among different computer labs, library, registration office and different academic units. MAN is usually a middle way to LAN and WAN. It is established by the various interconnections between WAN and LAN. Man is spread over an area of around 5 to almost 50 km. MAN has many applications , it is most commonly used in banks, online reservation systems and in many military based services. If we make a complex network of many LANs we will end up making a wide area network. Wide area network is commonly known as internet. The applications and availability of internet can be now seen in every building of commercial or other nature