Network Types
Network Type
Description
LAN (Local Area
Network)
Small area network
(home, office).
Wired or wireless.
Covers a city or
MAN (Metropolitan
campus. Connects
Area Network)
multiple LANs.
Large area network
(countries,
continents).
WAN (Wide Area
Network)
Typical Use
Pros
Cons
Examples
Connects devices
Fast speed, easy to
within one building
manage, low cost.
or office.
Limited coverage
area.
Office network,
home Wi-Fi
network.
Offices or
Covers larger area than
campuses in a city. LAN, good speed.
More expensive
and complex than
LAN.
City-wide
government
networks, university
campuses.
Connects offices
across regions or
the internet.
Slower speeds,
The Internet,
high cost, complex multinational
setup.
company networks.
Covers very large areas,
supports global
communication.
Mobile Networks
Mobile Network
What It Does
Used For
Pros
Cons
2G
Basic calls and texts
Phone calls, texting
Works almost everywhere
Very slow internet
3G
Faster internet than 2G
Browsing, emails
Better internet speed
Slower than newer networks
4G
Fast internet
Streaming videos, games
Very fast, good coverage
Not everywhere yet
5G
Super fast internet
Very fast downloads
Extremely fast, low delay
Still new and not everywhere
Wireless Networks
Wireless
Technology
What It Does
Used For
Wi-Fi
Connects devices wirelessly to
the internet
Home, office internet
access
Bluetooth
Short-range connection between Headphones, keyboards,
devices
phones
Good Things
Limitations
Fast speeds, easy to use
Limited range, can get
crowded
Low power, simple
connection
Short range, slower than
Wi-Fi