The key point to remember is the size/ distance of the devices which determines the network geography
Personal Area Network (PAN)
Smallest type of wired or wireless network and covers the least amount of area
There usually cover 10 feet or less
Bluetooth and even USB is considered a PAN
Local Area Network (LAN)
Network in a small area (Small 1 floor office)
Covers around 100 meters or 300 feet
If CAT 5 cables are used each segment in the network cannot exceed 100 feet
Network can be connected using Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) or Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11)
Campus Area Network (CAN)
Connects LANs that are building centric across a university, industrial part of business park
Can cover several miles
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Connects scattered locations across city or metro area
Up to 25 miles and/or size of a city
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Connects geographically disparate internal networks and consists of Lease Lines and VPNs Can be a Country or Worldwide Network
WAN networks don’t have to public
e.g. Network to connect two offices present in different states
Global Area Network (GAN)
Is a network used for supporting mobile users across a number of wireless LANs, satellite coverage areas