Network

TL;DR

• A network connects devices so they can communicate and share resources without physical transfer.
• Networks operate at different scales: personal (PAN), local (LAN), and wide-area (WAN).
• Common benefits include shared printers/files, real-time communication, and centralized security controls.

Definition

A network is a group of interconnected devices that are able to communicate with one another. Networks can be small, such as a group of computers within a home or office, or large, spanning across the globe. Types of networks include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and personal area networks (PANs).

Explanation

Devices in a network can exchange data and share resources (for example, printers, files, and internet connections) without needing physical transfer. Networks vary by geographic scope:

• LANs connect devices within a small geographic area (such as a home or office).
• WANs span large geographic areas (such as a city, state, or the globe) and often link smaller networks together.
• PANs connect devices in a very small area (such as a single room) for personal communication.

Networks also enable real-time communication across locations, which supports collaboration and productivity. Security measures—such as firewalls and antivirus software—can be applied to networks to help prevent unauthorized access and protect against cyber attacks.

Examples

Local Area Network (LAN)

A LAN is a group of computers and devices connected within a small geographic area, such as a home or office. Devices within a LAN can communicate and share resources like printers and files. Example: if an employee in a small office wants to print a document, they can send the document to the printer from their computer, and the printer will print the document; the employee does not have to physically walk to the printer to retrieve the document.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A WAN is a network that spans across a large geographic area, such as a city, state, or the globe. WANs are often used to connect smaller networks together, such as LANs. Example: a company with offices in multiple cities may use a WAN to connect all of the offices together, allowing employees in different locations to communicate and share resources with one another.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

PANs are networks used to connect devices within a very small area, such as a single room, and are often used for personal communication devices. Example: a person may use a PAN to connect their phone, laptop, and smartwatch together, allowing them to receive notifications and messages on all of their devices.

Use cases

• Sharing resources such as printers, files, and internet connections to save time and reduce duplicated equipment.
• Enabling real-time communication and collaboration among users regardless of location.
• Applying centralized security measures (for example, firewalls and antivirus software) to protect connected devices and prevent unauthorized access.

Related terms

• Local Area Network (LAN)
• Wide Area Network (WAN)
• Personal Area Network (PAN)