Types of Computer Networks

Computer networks are a fundamental foundation of modern communication. When you use social media platforms or share files in the workplace, you cannot avoid relying on different types of networks. Each type of network has evolved to fulfill specific purposes. Networks are selected based on priorities such as scale, speed, setup complexity, and intended function. From small setups within a single room to global infrastructures spanning several continents, networks allow devices to exchange information seamlessly. As we observe a rapid evolution of technology, knowing the distinction between these networks becomes even more important. In this blog, you will explore major types of computer networks like LAN, MAN, WAN, PAN, WLAN, and explore their function, environment, and setup.

Table of contents

• What is a Computer Network?
• Types of Networks
  • What Is a Local Area Network (LAN)?
  • What Is a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)?
  • What Is a Wide Area Network (WAN)?
• Comparison Between LAN, MAN, and WAN
• How to Set Up LAN, MAN, WAN, step-by-step
• Some Other Networks
• Conclusion

What is a Computer Network?

A computer network is a system in which multiple devices, capable of computation, are connected in a manner that helps them share resources, exchange data, and communicate efficiently. These devices include computers, servers, printers, and mobile phones. They are linked using wired or wireless technologies such as cables, Wi-Fi, or fibre optic cables. The primary aim of a computer network is to make information, along with resources, easily accessible regardless of physical location. This allows users like you to share information in the form of files, access applications that operate on a network connection, and collaborate in real-time without being tied to a single device or space. Networks are the reason why remote work, cloud computing, and online gaming are possible. Networks form the digital backbone in our connected lives.

Types of Networks

Networks in Computer Science are mainly categorized by the size of the geographical area they cover. Here are the main types of networks:

• LAN (Local Area Network)
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
• WAN (Wide Area Network)

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What Is a Local Area Network (LAN)?

The Local Area Network (LAN) covers a small geographic area, such as a home, office, or a school building. It uses wired connections like Ethernet or wireless connections to enable high-speed communication between devices. A LAN typically operates on a single communication line or router while storing data and applications on a central server. Technically, LANs function on IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) or IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) standards and offer data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps in wired setups. They are managed by local administrators and often feature centralised file and print sharing.

Key Attributes:

• This network operates at high data transmission speeds.
• Uses private IP addresses and typically relies on Ethernet cables for better security and lower error rates.

What Is a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)?

A MAN spans the range of a large campus to a whole city, connecting multiple LANs over a large geographical area. Commonly used by municipalities, universities, or large companies. It functions by using a combination of wireless and wired links. It also facilitates high-speed inter-LAN communication. In technical terms, MANs often use high-speed technologies like fibre optics and protocols like Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) or Metro Ethernet. They typically cover distances ranging from 5 to 50 kilometres and require more complex routing and switching.

ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)

ATM is a high-speed networking protocol that transmits data in fixed-size 53-byte cells, ensuring predictable voice, video, and data performance. It supports Quality of Service (QoS) and is widely used in backbone and WAN connections.

Metro Ethernet

Metro Ethernet is a metropolitan-area network service that uses Ethernet standards to connect users and organisations across a city. It offers scalable bandwidth, low latency, and high-speed connectivity using fibre-optic infrastructure.

Key Attributes:

• Connects LANs across city-level distances.
• Uses wired infrastructure for fast data transfer.

What Is a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

The Wide Area Network (WAN) covers an extensive geographical area, from areas as small as a state to an international scale. It technically connects multiple LANs and MANs via wireless signals or leased communication lines. It enables remote communication across cities or nations using public lines or satellites to bridge multiple networks. WANs utilize technologies such as MPLS, Frame Relay, and leased lines for connectivity, and rely on routers and public communication links like telephone lines or satellites operating from space. ISPs or telecommunications companies often manage WANs.

Key Attributes:

• Slower than LAN or MAN due to distance and infrastructure.
• Relies on satellites, radio towers, and long-distance cables.

Comparison Between LAN, MAN, and WAN

How to Set Up LAN, MAN, WAN, step-by-step

Set Up for LAN (Local Area Network)

A LAN connects devices within a small physical area, typically using Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi.

1. Install Network Interface Cards (NICs) on all the computers and devices that you have decided should participate in the network.
2. Set up a switch or a centralised hub that would serve as the central connecting device for wired connections.
3. Connect the devices using Ethernet cables to switch for faster and more stable wired communication.
4. Configure a wireless access point to allow mobile and wireless devices to connect to the network without using cables.
5. Assign several IP addresses to make sure that it is properly communicating among devices. This can be done either manually or via DHCP.
6. Secure the LAN with a firewall setup and implement encryption protocols for wireless traffic.

Set Up for MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

A MAN links multiple LANs within a city or large campus, usually through high-speed fibre optics or wireless technologies.

1. Try establishing fibre optic links or microwave wireless links between different LAN hubs or buildings.
2. Deploy high-capacity switches and routers to manage traffic between various local networks.
3. Use point-to-point or multipoint configurations, depending on the layout of the city or organisation.
4. Assign subnetworks (subnets) for different departments or locations within the MAN.
5. Install a centralised control system managed by the organisation or ISP to handle routing and maintenance.
6. Implement Quality of Service (QoS) policies to manage bandwidth and traffic.

Set Up for WAN (Wide Area Network)

A WAN spans countries or continents and is built by connecting LANs or MANs through long-distance transmission methods.

1. Use leased lines, satellites, or MPLS circuits to connect geographically dispersed sites.
2. Install routers and modems at each site to handle long-distance packet transmission and reception.
3. Configure VPNs or dedicated lines for secure communication between endpoints.
4. Employ multiple ISPs or telecom providers for redundancy and failover capabilities.
5. Monitor the network with NMS (Network Management Systems) to ensure uptime and detect faults.
6. Implement global routing protocols, such as BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), for dynamic routing across the WAN.

Some Other Networks 

PAN (Personal Area Network)

A PAN network is designed for communication spanning a short range, ranging from personal devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and wearable technology, including smartwatches. Technically, PANs often use Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Infrared, or USB for communication and typically cover distances of 1 to 10 meters. They carry high portability advantages and often operate without centralised infrastructure.

Setup:

1. Select a connection type like Bluetooth, USB, or NFC.
2. Enable connectivity on all devices.
3. Pair devices via Bluetooth or connect via cable.
4. Authorise connection using prompts or codes.
5. Configure sharing settings like file transfer or tethering.
6. Test the connection to ensure it’s working.
7. Secure the network with passwords or permissions.

CAN (Campus Area Network)

A CAN spans an area covering multiple buildings within a campus, such as a university, military base, or corporate facility. It is larger than a LAN but smaller than a MAN, which means high-speed communication within a 1-5 km range. CANs use fibre optics or high-speed Ethernet to interconnect LANs and often operate on private infrastructure with dedicated IP addressing and routing, with centralised administration and IT control. They offer secure, high-bandwidth communication across geographically distributed departments.

Set Up:

1. Ethernet switches and fibre optic cables interconnect buildings.
2. Wi-Fi access points provide wireless coverage across the campus.
3. Centralised servers manage resources, often housed in a data centre.

Storage Area Network (SAN)

A SAN network is specialised for high speed, providing block-level storage access to servers. It also connects storage devices like disc arrays to multiple servers. It carries high throughput with low-latency access to storage. It also has centralised data management for scalability.

Setup:

1. Uses Fibre Channel or iSCSI over high-speed switches.
2. Dedicated storage controllers manage access.
3. Often placed in data centres.

Passive Optical LAN (POLAN)

POLAN is a type of network that uses fibre optics and optical splitters to replace the traditional copper-based LANs, which, in general, offer higher bandwidth with minimal active equipment. This network system supports Gigabit/10-Gigabit speeds over long distances. Also consumes minimal power with passive components. It simplifies network architecture by eliminating distribution switches and reducing cable clutter. Additionally, POLAN offers enhanced security and EMI resistance, making it suitable for modern enterprise and campus environments.

Setup:

1. Single-mode fibre runs from the OLT (central switch) to the ONTs at the endpoints.
2. Uses optical splitters instead of traditional switches.
3. Centralised network control.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN creates a secure tunnel that is encrypted. It creates this tunnel over public networks, giving access to users like you to private network resources, as if they are directly connected. It masks IP addresses and encrypts all transmitted data to ensure confidentiality and privacy. VPNs commonly use protocols like IPsec, SSL/TLS, L2TP, or WireGuard, depending on the desired balance of speed and security.

Setup:

1. VPN client software establishes a secure session with a VPN server.
2. Protocols such as IPsec/IKEv2 or OpenVPN handle authentication and encryption.
3. Can be cloud-hosted or deployed on on-premises firewall appliances.

Enterprise Private Network (EPN)

EPN is a form of proprietary network built by large organisations to securely connect their branches, data centres, and operations. It is highly secure and reliable for business operations. Also supports centralised policy enforcement.

Setup:

1. Uses MPLS, leased lines, or VPN tunnels between sites.
2. Often managed via a centralised NOC (Network Operations Centre).
3. Includes routers, firewalls, and monitoring systems.

System Area Network (also called Cluster Network)

A System Area Network connects high-performance computing systems, like server clusters, for fast internal communication. Carries ultra-low latency and high bandwidth (Gbps/Tbps). Designed for tightly occupied, parallel computing.

Setup:

1. Uses technologies like InfiniBand or Fibre Channel.
2. Direct connections between nodes, often in a mesh or star topology.
3. Managed via specialised cluster management tools.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a wireless version LAN that uses radio signals to transmit data. It provides you with flexibility and mobility to move freely within the network coverage area. While WLAN offers an alternative freedom from cables, it can be weak or less secure than wired networks, unless it is provided with strong encryption methods like WPA3. The WLANs transfer data using radio frequency signals. Data is broken into packets, which contain instructions, labels, and MAC addresses that guide the delivery. The traditional WLAN uses a star topology, where all devices connect to a central Access Point (AP). This AP routes data to and from the internet or other devices, providing you with real-time connectivity within the network’s range.

How to Set Up WLAN

The section below gets into the steps to set up the WLAN

1. Purchase a WLAN router.
2. Access the router’s configuration page via a browser.
3. Log in using the provided username and password.
4. Input your Internet Service Provider’s IP and DNS details.
5. Set your network name (SSID), password, and encryption method.
6. Save changes and place the router in a central location.
7. Connect devices by selecting the network and entering the password.

Conclusion

Computer networks like LAN, MAN, WAN, PAN, CAN, and WLAN are the basis of digital communication in today’s world. Every single network is constructed for a specific use case, ranging from a new device at home to thousands spread across the globe. Gaining knowledge about these networks with insights into their benefits, functions, and limitations, and their setup helps you to appreciate the invisible infrastructure that powers modern life. Understanding this is essential for organizations that plan to design efficient systems. As digital transformation accelerates, a strong grasp of networking concepts becomes even more valuable.

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Computer Networks – FAQs