[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.