Network types

Network types

1. WLANs

   • A local area network with no wires or cables, other than the wiring that connects the WLAN to enable device to communicate with each other. 
   • Wi-Fi
   • Laptop
   • Wireless network cards
   • Wireless access point
   • Devices that can be used in a WLAN
     • 1. Mobile phones 2. Printers 3. PDAs 4. Portable media players

2. LANs

   • Local area network - a number of computers connected together to share software and hardware either within a small geographical area or within a single building.
   • Intranet
   • Local e-mail or business network

3. WPANs

   • A small communications network usually created for use by just one person using Bluetooth technology.

4. MANs

   • A network similar to a LAN, but one that usually extends over a much larger area such as a whole city. It is often owned by a consortium of users.

5. WANs

   • A means of connecting wireless devices to a wired network.
   • Modems
   • HTTP proxy servers
   • The Internet
   • Extranet
   • E-mail
   • Business network
   • Virtual private network
   • Videoconferencing
   • Telephone call centers
   • Online booking, shopping and banking system