Wide area and local networks are the result of a group of devices connected to share resources and information. Learn more about specific kinds of networks here.

Home Blog Networking 5 Types of Networks Explained

It can be as simple as connecting your computer to printing devices or as intricate as the internet itself.

Networking is a complex as well as multi-layered (no no pun meant!) subject with lots of complicated. For the typical homeowner, the acronyms and technical terms can be confusing.

Local Area Network (LAN)

It could be the network in the home or company, or could cover an area as vast as an academic campus.

The LAN at home could comprise various intelligent or IoT devices, including smart light bulbs , the WiFi video doorbell and as well as your Smart TV as well as all your conventional devices like laptops, PCs and mobile phones.

The hardware needed to support a LAN is usually simple, consisting of one ISP-provided multi-purpose device that functions as a router with some switch capabilities.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

The wireless area network could be described as a subcategory of the traditional network of local areas. According to the definition, to be within the range of an access point wireless, the device has to be located close to the access point. We are aware of this in the form of WiFi.

While you’d only have one physical network you could set up several wireless networks within a narrow area using sub-bands of frequency. They are referred to as channels which can be selected from your router’s settings. If you’ve ever considered changing the channel your WiFi at home is broadcasting according to the recommendations of an online “improve home internet speed’ guide, that’s what has been happening. Check out the Cisco 1841 router price in India.

The hardware needed for the creation of the WLAN is similar to the typical LAN, however there are wireless access points that will be crucial. They are being connected to the 2nd hand router using network cables and switches.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Instead of connecting devices locally instead, a WAN connects a variety of smaller networks that span greater distances. This creates a wide variety of new possibilities for computers to exchange data and information.

The WAN is more difficult to set up and maintain, and requires collaboration from several participants to ensure the network remains reliable and functional, but they’re at the heart of all information exchange and we’ve been able to achieve amazing feats thanks to them.

The internet itself is a network (the most extensive available) that is also a world-wide network linking thousands of gadgets.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN is a special combination of security with remote accessibility. When you connect to VPN, you can use VPN. It allows you to send or receive information as though you were a member in a secure network even though you’re operating from an entirely different location.

First, for companies who require an encrypted connection to their network for employees who work remotely.

The second option is to create an online network. Then become a member of it, and appear to the world wide web as an element of the virtual network. This can be a means to disguise your identity and your real IP address/location when using public networks. This can be extremely beneficial regarding privacy, as well as security.

A whole industry has grown around this type of VPN. Which allows users to protect their personal information from protocols that seek to trace them and keep the data. VPNs offer an internet proxy which gives you access to the internet without identifying you.

Virtual Local Network (VLAN)

A VLAN is a subnetwork which takes the devices of the same network and creates an ‘internet’ for them that effectively isolates them from the rest of the devices in the network. It achieves the same goals that WLANs can accomplish naturally by making use of distinct channels, and provides a LAN with more flexibility.

While the hardware used in this case is similar to an ordinary network. You’ll require an enterprise-grade router that has features, including, VLAN tagging to be capable of creating VLANs.

We hope that this will help clarify some of the distinctions between different types of networks. And how they affect organizations and individuals more broadly. If you require any hardware for your network at work or at home. Check out our inventory today or call us for advice from an expert.