Various types of networks are:
Contents
Local Area Network (LAN)
A Local Area Network is a collection of interconnected Computers and its associated devices that are located in a close proximity.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
A Wide Area Network is a collection of interconnected Computers and its associated devices that are located at different Geographic location such as different cities, states or countries. It is a large computer network such as two or more LANs
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A Metropolitan Area Network is a collection of interconnected Computers and its associated devices that are located at one Geographic location such as multiple office building in a city.
Personal Area Network (PAN)
Personal Area Network (PAN): A Personal Area Network is collection of various interconnected devices such as computers, mobile devices, fax machines and printers available closely to an individual user.
Comparison of different network types
| Parameter | PAN | LAN | MAN | WAN |
| Area covered | Up to 10m radius | Upto 10km radius | Up to 100km radius | Can be entire country, globe |
| Transmission speed | High speed | High speed | Modeate speed | Low speed |
| Networking cost | Negligible | Inexpensive | Expensive | Very expensive |
| Technology | Infrared, Bluetooth | Ethernet, Wi-Fi | Optical fibre, Radio wave, Microwave | Microwave, Satellite |
| Visibility | Private | Private/public | Private/public | public |