Networks vary in many ways. One criterion by which networks are classified is how geographically dispersed the network's components are. For example, a network might interconnect devices within an office, or a network might interconnect a database at a corporate headquarters location with a remote sales office on the opposite side of the globe.
Based on the geographic dispersion of network components, you can classify networks into various categories. including the following:
• Local area network (LAN)
• Wide area network (WAN)
• Wireless local area network (WLAN)
• Storage area network (SAN)
• Campus area network (CAN)
• Metropolitan area network (MAN)
• Personal are network (PAN)
LAN
A LAN interconnects network components within a local area (for example, within a building). Examples of common LAN technologies you are likely to meet include Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) and wireless networks (IEEE 802.11).
WAN
A WAN interconnects network components that are geographically separated. For example, a corporate headquarters might have multiple WAN connections to remote office sites. Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) are examples of WAN technologies.
WLAN
A local area network made up of wireless networking devices is a wireless local area network (WLAN).
SAN
You can connect a high-speed, highly reliable network for the express purpose of transmitting stored data. This network is a called a storage area network (SAN).
CAN
The first time I discovered a CAN-type topology was at a major university. The university covered several square miles and had several dozen buildings. Many of these buildings were running individual LANs, and these building-centric LANs were interconnected. The interconnection of these LANs created another network type: a campus area network (CAN). Besides being common on university campuses, CANs are often used in industrial parks and business parks.
MAN
More widespread than a CAN and less widespread than a WAN, a metropolitan area network (MAN) interconnects locations scattered throughout a metropolitan area. Imagine, for example, that a business in Chicago has a location near O'Hare Airport, another location near Navy Pier, and another location in the Willis Tower (previously known as the Sears Tower). If a service provider could interconnect those locations using a high-speed network, such as a10Gbps (that is 10 billion bits per second) network, the interconnection of those locations would form a MAN. One example of a MAN technology is Metro Ethernet, which features much higher speeds than traditional WAN technologies that were used inn the past to connect such locations.
PAN
A personal area network (PAN) is a network whose scale is even smaller than a LAN. For example, a connection between a PC and a digital camera via a universal serial bus (USB) cable would be considered a PAN. Another example is a PC connected to an external hard drive via a USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt connection. A PAN, however, is not necessarily a wired connection. A bluetooth connection between your cell phone and your car's audio system is considered a PAN (WPAN). The main distinction of a PAN is that its range is typically limited to just a few meters.
About The Author
Anthony Sequeira, CCIE No. 15626, is a Cisco Certified Systems Instructor (CCSI) and author regarding all levels and tracks of Cisco Certification. Anthony formally began his career in the information technology industry in 1994 with IBM in Tampa, Florida. He quickly formed his own computer consultancy, Computer Solutions, and then discovered his true passion-teaching and writing about Microsoft and Cisco technologies. Anthony joined Mastering Computers in 1996 and lectured to massive audiences around the world about the latest in computer technologies. Mastering Computers became the revolutionary online training company, KnowledgeNet, and Anthony trained there for many years. Anthony is currently pursuing his second CCIE in the area of Security and is a full-time instructor for the next-generation of KnowledgeNet, StormWind.com. Anthony is also a VMware Certified Professional.
CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide contains proven study features that allow you to succeed on the exam the first time. Expert instructor Anthony Sequeira shares preparation hints and test-taking tips, helping you identify areas of weakness and improve both your conceptual knowledge and hands-on skills, essential for successful completion of the performance-based testing items on the exam. This complete, CompTIA-approved study package includes the following:
• A test-preparation routine proven to help you pass the exams
• Clearly defined chapter learning objectives covering all N10-008 exam topics
• Chapter-ending review questions and exam preparation exercises, which help you drill on key concepts you must know thoroughly
• The powerful Pearson Test Prep practice test software, complete with hundreds of well-reviewed, exam-realistic questions, customization options, and detailed performance reports
• 40 performance-based exercises to help you prepare for the hands-on exam questions
• A free copy of the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Simulator Lite software, complete with meaningful lab exercises that enhance your hands-on skills
• More than 60 minutes of video mentoring
• A final preparation chapter that guides you through tools and resources to help you craft your review and test taking strategies
• An Exam Essentials appendix that quickly recaps all major chapter topics for easy reference, both in print and interactive digital format
• A key terms Glossary in both print and on the companion website, which acts as an interactive flash-card application
• Study plan suggestions and templates to help you organize and optimize your study time
• A 10% exam discount voucher (a $33+ value!)
Well regarded for its level of detail, study plans, assessment features, challenging review questions and exercises, video instruction, and hands-on labs, this approved study guide helps you master the concepts and techniques that ensure your exam success.
Master the topics on the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 exam, including:
• Network topologies and media types
• IP addressing
• Network services
• Data center architectures and cloud concepts
• Routing, Ethernet switching, and wireless networking
• Network availability and disaster recovery
• Network security
• Remote access
• Network troubleshooting
Reader Paulo Cardoso says, "This is a great book. In addition, it comes with great additional resources."
Learn more about the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide at amazon.com
More Networking Basics:
• What is a Network Sniffer Used For?
• Best CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Preparation Materials
• Overview of Cloud Computing
• Network Patch Panel Basics
• Definition: Cloud Computing
• Servers - Racks, Blades and Towers
• What is a Proxy Server?
• Computer Number Systems Made Simple
• Network Cabling For Beginners
• What is the Internet of Things?