[10.6] Types of Networks

• Local area network (LAN) -- A system of networked computers and other hardware, like printers, that are in relatively close proximity to one another.

• Backbone -- A high-speed network that connects several LANs in a location, such as a university campus, to provide services like e-mail and Internet access beyond the LAN environment.

• Wide area network (WAN) -- A geographically dispersed communications network, with many owners, linking computers for the purpose of communicating with each other, such as a national network for airline reservations or the Internet.

• Value-added network (VAN) -- A communications channel leased from a telephone company to offer customers with modems access to network services through a local or toll-free number.

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