6-1: Types of Networks

  • Due Jan 8 at 11:59pm
  • Points 100
  • Questions 15
  • Available after Jan 6 at 12am
  • Time Limit None
  • Allowed Attempts Unlimited

Instructions

1. Define and differentiate types of networks. DOK3
a. Understand and describe the characteristics of various types of networks, including
Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and others.
b. Explain real-world applications of different network types.

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🌐 Introduction to LAN vs. WAN

When you connect computers together so they can share information, you’re creating a network. But not all networks are the same size or used in the same way. Two of the most common types of networks are:

🏠 LAN – Local Area Network

A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network that connects computers within a small geographic area, like:

  • A home

  • A school classroom

  • A single office building

LANs are often faster, cheaper, and more secure because the connection is limited to just one location. Most LANs use Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi to connect devices like computers, printers, and routers.

🌍 WAN – Wide Area Network

A WAN (Wide Area Network) connects computers over a large geographic area, such as:

  • Across cities

  • Across countries

  • Across the world

The biggest WAN in the world is the Internet! WANs often rely on leased telephone lines, satellites, or fiber-optic cables to make long-distance connections. They can be slower and more expensive, and they usually require extra security protections like firewalls and encryption.

Types of Networks

There are several types of networks that can be used depending on the scenario. Here is a short break-down of some common types:

1. LAN (Local Area Network)

  • Size: Small (e.g., a room, building, or campus)

  • Use: Connects computers and devices in a local area like a home, school, or office.

  • Example: School computer lab.

2. WAN (Wide Area Network)

  • Size: Large (e.g., cities, countries, or worldwide)

  • Use: Connects multiple LANs across long distances.

  • Example: The Internet.

3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

  • Size: Medium (covers a city or large campus)

  • Use: Connects networks in a metropolitan area.

  • Example: A city-wide university network.

4. PAN (Personal Area Network)

  • Size: Very small (a few meters)

  • Use: Connects personal devices like phones, tablets, or smartwatches.

  • Example: Bluetooth connection between phone and wireless earbuds.

5. WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

  • Size: Small to medium (within a building)

  • Use: A LAN that uses Wi-Fi instead of cables.

  • Example: Home Wi-Fi network.

6. SAN (Storage Area Network)

  • Size: Variable

  • Use: Connects storage devices to servers so data can be accessed efficiently.

  • Example: Used in large businesses or data centers.

7. VPN (Virtual Private Network) – Not a physical network, but worth mentioning

  • Use: Creates a secure, encrypted connection over another network (often the Internet).

  • Example: Accessing a work network from home securely.

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LAN vs WAN based on the geographic area they cover:

 

Type of Network Geographic Size Description
LAN (Local Area Network) Geographically small Covers a small area like a home, school, or office building.
WAN (Wide Area Network) Geographically large Covers large areas such as cities, countries, or even globally (e.g., the Internet).

 

Quick Summary:

  • LAN = small area (e.g., one classroom or office).

  • WAN = large area (e.g., multiple buildings, cities, or countries connected together).

🖥️ LAN vs 🌐 WAN: Connection Types

Connection Type LAN (Local Area Network) WAN (Wide Area Network)
Wired (Ethernet) ✅ Yes – Common for fast, stable local connections ✅ Yes – Used at local points like routers and switches
Wireless (Wi-Fi) ✅ Yes – Often used in homes, schools, offices ✅ Yes – Used in parts of WANs (e.g., mobile networks)
Dedicated Lines ❌ No – Not usually needed in local setups ✅ Yes – For secure, long-distance connections
Leased Line ❌ No – Not used in LANs ✅ Yes – Leased from ISPs to connect distant networks
Internet ❌ No – LAN can access it, but doesn't rely on it ✅ Yes – Common method to connect LANs globally
Satellite ❌ No – Not practical for small/local networks ✅ Yes – Used in remote areas where cables aren't available
Phone Lines (DSL) ❌ Rare – Mostly outdated ✅ Yes – Still used in some DSL-based WAN setups

🚀 WAN vs ⚡ LAN: Average Data Transmission Speeds

Network Type Average Speed Common Units Explanation
LAN 100 Mbps – 1 Gbps (or more) ✅ Mbps / ✅ Gbps LANs are very fast because they operate over short distances with high-quality cables (like Ethernet).
WAN 1 Mbps – 200 Mbps (average) ✅ Kbps / ✅ Mbps (sometimes Gbps for large companies) WANs are generally slower than LANs because they cover long distances and depend on ISPs, satellite, or phone lines.

✅ Units Defined:

  • Kbps – Kilobits per second (1,000 bits/sec) → Slower (rare today)

  • Mbps – Megabits per second (1 million bits/sec) → Most common for WANs

  • Gbps – Gigabits per second (1 billion bits/sec) → Common in modern LANs

Summary:

  • LAN = Faster (usually 100 Mbps to 1+ Gbps)

  • WAN = Slower (usually 1–200 Mbps, sometimes higher)

💸 LAN vs WAN: Setup and Maintenance Costs

Cost Type LAN (Local Area Network) WAN (Wide Area Network)
Initial Purchase of Hardware ✅ Yes – Routers, switches, network cards, Ethernet cables, etc. ✅ Yes – Similar to LAN, but may include more advanced routers/firewalls
Ongoing Costs (Subscriptions) ❌ Usually No – No monthly fees unless Internet is included ✅ Yes – Monthly fees for Internet service, leased lines, or satellite access
Cable Costs ✅ Yes – Ethernet cables for wired setup (one-time cost) ✅ Yes – High if long-distance fiber or leased line connections are needed

🔍 Summary:

  • LAN:

    • Lower cost

    • One-time purchase for local hardware and cables

    • No subscription needed unless it includes Internet access

  • WAN:

    • Higher cost

    • Ongoing monthly fees (ISP, leased lines)

    • May include installation fees for long-distance or satellite connections

🔐 LAN vs WAN: Network Security Comparison

Security Aspect LAN (Local Area Network) WAN (Wide Area Network)
General Security Level ✅ More secure (controlled environment) ⚠️ Less secure (data travels over public networks like the Internet)
Common Security Risks - Unauthorized access from within the network - Hacking, data interception, and malware from external sources
- Weak passwords or unprotected Wi-Fi - Public access points and insecure connections
Ways to Improve Security - Use strong passwords and Wi-Fi encryption (WPA2/WPA3) - Use VPNs to encrypt data
- Install firewalls and antivirus software - Use firewalls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication
- Control physical access to the network hardware - Use secure protocols (HTTPS, SSH) for communication

🛡 Summary:

  • LAN is generally safer because it’s in a private, controlled setting, but still needs protection against local threats.

  • WAN is more vulnerable since it spans large areas and uses public infrastructure, requiring stronger security measures like VPNs and encryption.

🔒 Why LAN Is More Secure Than WAN:

Reason Explanation
1. Physical Control LANs are usually set up in a single location (like a school, office, or home), so you have full control over who can access the network physically. WANs, especially the internet, are public and harder to control.
2. Fewer Access Points A LAN has limited entry points—fewer devices and routers to protect. A WAN connects many networks over long distances, increasing the number of potential attack points.
3. Private Infrastructure LANs often run on private cables and devices, not shared with outside users. WANs often rely on public infrastructure (like the internet or leased lines), which are exposed to more threats.
4. Easier to Monitor and Secure It’s easier to monitor traffic and apply security measures (like firewalls and antivirus) across a small LAN than across a large WAN.
5. Limited External Access LANs usually don’t allow outside access unless specifically connected to the Internet. WANs, by nature, are built to connect across distances, often using public networks.

 

🖥️ Client-Server vs 🤝 Peer-to-Peer Network

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Feature Client-Server Network Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network
Structure Has a central computer (server) providing services All computers are equal – no central controller
Common Location Used in larger offices or organizations Common in homes or small offices
File Backups ✅ Files can be automatically backed up to a central server ❌ Files must be backed up manually on each device
Peripheral Sharing (printers, etc.) ✅ Peripherals can be shared through the server ✅ Peripherals can be shared directly between devices
Setup Cost 💰 More expensive – server hardware and software required 💵 Cheaper – no need for dedicated server hardware
File Sharing ✅ Yes – files are stored and accessed through the server ✅ Yes – files are shared directly between computers
Maintenance 🛠 Centralized – easier to manage updates and security centrally 🔧 Each computer must be maintained separately

🧠 Summary:

  • Client-Server: Centralized, secure, better for larger organizations, but more expensive.

  • Peer-to-Peer: Decentralized, affordable, simpler for small networks, but harder to manage as it grows.

Common Hardware Used:

📡 Wireless Access Point (WAP)

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A Wireless Access Point is a device that allows wireless devices (like laptops, tablets, or phones) to connect to a network using Wi-Fi.

🟢 Think of it as the "Wi-Fi hotspot" that lets you connect to the internet without cables.

🔁 Router 

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  • Router: A router connects different networks together — like your home network to the Internet. It also directs data to the right device.

🟢 It’s like a traffic director that makes sure internet data goes to the right device.

 

Switch

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A device that connects multiple devices within the same network, allowing them to communicate efficiently.

🟢 Like a network hub that connects devices directly to each other.

  • Switch: A switch connects multiple devices (computers, printers, etc.) on the same network and helps them communicate with each other.

🟢 It’s like a hub inside your network that lets devices talk to one another.

💻 Network Interface Card (NIC)

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A Network Interface Card is a hardware component inside a computer or device that lets it connect to a network — either through a cable (Ethernet) or wirelessly (Wi-Fi).

🟢 It’s like the “network plug” or “Wi-Fi adapter” for your computer.

🔌 Transmission Media

 

Transmission Media refers to the physical or wireless paths used to send data between devices on a network.

  • Wired: Ethernet cables, fiber optics

  • Wireless: Radio waves (Wi-Fi), infrared, satellite

🟢 It’s what the data "travels through" to get from one device to another.

 

Coaxial Cable

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A type of cable with a central metal wire surrounded by insulation and a metal shield, used to carry high-frequency signals like cable TV and internet.

🟢 Commonly used for cable internet and television connections.

Twisted Pair Cable

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A common type of network cable made of pairs of wires twisted together to reduce interference, often used in telephone and Ethernet networks.

🟢 The standard cable used in most home and office networks.

Fibre Optic Cable

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A cable made of thin glass or plastic fibers that transmit data as light signals, allowing very fast and long-distance communication.

🟢 Used for high-speed internet and telecommunications.

Hub

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A device that connects multiple devices in a network and sends data to all devices, regardless of the intended recipient.

🟢 Like a basic traffic cop that broadcasts data to every connected device.

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