Network configurations

There exist several contemporary standards for defining a network type. These are a standard of the OSI model. Several of these are newspeak, but still good to know.

NameFull-NameDescription
LANLocal Area NetworkA Network consisting of computers all connected to a central switch. Has three use-specific subsets.
HANHome-area NetworkA subset of LAN, for home networks
SANStorage-area NetworkA subset of LAN, for storage.
WLANWireless Local-area NetworkA subset of LAN, running on Wireless Networking.
WANWide-area NetworkA LAN connected to another LAN by some means. An early example of this is UUCP
PANPersonal Area NetworkA newer term meaning a network of devices on your own person. For example, a Smart Phone connecting to a Bluetooth headset and a Smart Watch.
BANBody-area NetworkA variant PAN to specify body-wearable computing
NANNear-me Area NetworkWireless communication network with nearby computers
MANMetropolis Area NetworkYou know how some small towns have created Wi-Fi networks you can connect to for a small fee you pay to your City Hall? This is what that's called.
CANCampus Area NetworkLike MAN, but by your University for use on the campus.
IANInternet-area NetworkPerhaps the most Newspeak, this simply means computers connected over the newspeak term "The Cloud" and has little real meaning whatsoever.
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