Lan, Wlan, Wan, Man, San, Can, Pan, Gan - Tech Trends In Networking

r networks are groups of interconnected computersnetworks that cover an entire city.
that facilitate the exchange of data. The first• SAN: Storage Area Networks help attach remote
computer network to be designed was thecomputer storage devices, such as disk arrays, tape
"Advanced Research Projects Agency Network"libraries, and optical jukeboxes, to servers in such a
(ARPANET) for the United States Department ofmanner that that they appear to be locally attached
Defense in the late 1960s and early 1970s. From thento the operating system.
on, numerous new network technologies have been• CAN: Controller Area Networks allow
developed.microcontrollers and devices to communicate with
Computer networks can be classified into differenteach other without a host computer.
types based on their scale of operation. They include:• PAN: Personal Area Networks are used for
• LAN: Local Area Networks cover a small physicalcommunication among various devices, such as
area, like a home, office, or a small group of buildings,telephones, personal digital assistants, fax machines,
such as a school or airport.and printers, that are located close to a single user.
• WLAN: Wireless Local Area Networks enable• GAN: Global Area Networks support mobile
users to move around within a larger coverage area,communications across an arbitrary number of
but still be wirelessly connected to the network.wireless LANs and satellite coverage areas.
• WAN: Wide Area Networks cover a broad area,• INTERNETWORK: Internetworking is the process
like communication links that cross metropolitan,of connecting two or more distinct computer
regional, or national boundaries. The Internet is thenetworks or network segments through a common
best example of a WAN.routing technology.
• MAN: Metropolitan Area Networks are very largeComputer networks are an integral part of our lives.