![]() Switches: A switch is a device that connects other devices and manages node-to-node communication within a network, ensuring that data packets reach their ultimate destination. Routers forward data packets until they reach their destination node. Routers analyze data within the packets to determine the best way for the information to reach its ultimate destination. Routers: A router is a physical or virtual device that sends information that is contained in data packets between networks. A node is essentially any network device that can recognize, process, and transmit information to any other network node. A few examples of nodes include computers, printers, modems, bridges, and switches. Each node requires you to provide some form of identification to receive access, like an IP address. Nodes: A node is a connection point inside a network that can receive, send, create, or store data. When one device sends data to another, the data includes a ‘header’ that includes the IP address of the sending device and the IP address of the destination device. Each IP address identifies the device’s host network and the location of the device on the host network. IP address: An IP address is a unique number assigned to every device connected to a network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. The following are some common terms to know when discussing computer networking: A VPN establishes an encrypted channel that keeps a user’s identity and access credentials, as well as any data transferred, inaccessible to hackers. VPN (virtual private network): A VPN is a secure, point-to-point connection between two network end points (see ‘nodes’ below). CANs serve sites such as colleges, universities, and business campuses. A CAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. (For more information on how a SAN works with block storage, see Block Storage: A Complete Guide).ĬAN (campus area network): A CAN is also known as a corporate area network. To the user, it looks, and works like a storage drive that’s physically attached to a computer. SAN (storage area network): A SAN is a specialized network that provides access to block-level storage-shared network or cloud storage. For example, if you have an iPhone and a Mac, it’s likely you’ve set up a PAN that shares and syncs content-text messages, emails, photos, and more-across both devices. PAN (personal area network): A PAN serves one person. Cities and government entities typically own and manage MANs. MAN (metropolitan area network): MANs are typically larger than LANs but smaller than WANs. You will typically see collective or distributed ownership models for WAN management. ![]() The internet is the largest WAN, connecting billions of computers worldwide. ![]() WAN (wide area network): As the name implies, a WAN connects computers over a wide area, such as from region to region or even continent to continent. WLAN (wireless local area network): A WLAN is just like a LAN but connections between devices on the network are made wirelessly. Typically, LANs are privately owned and managed. ![]() For example, a LAN may connect all the computers in an office building, school, or hospital. LAN (local area network): A LAN connects computers over a relatively short distance, allowing them to share data, files, and resources. Here are the most common and widely used computer network types: ![]() As networking needs evolved, so did the computer network types that serve those needs. ![]()
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