Claviro

Networks Foundation

What Is a Network + Types

What Is a Network + Types

Understand core network purpose and compare PAN, LAN, MAN, and WAN with real-world examples.

Beginner Level

Build strong foundation of what networks are and where each type is used.

Click the numbered markers on each diagram to explore the concept step by step.

Why This Matters

You cannot design or secure systems unless you can classify the network scope first.

Confusion Busters

Common confusion: LAN vs WAN

Fix: LAN is local campus/building, WAN spans large geography through provider links.

Common confusion: Internet vs network

Fix: Internet is one global WAN; many private LANs/WANs exist without public internet.

What Is a Computer Network

  • ▸A network connects devices to exchange data and services.
  • ▸Core goals: communication, resource sharing, reliability.
  • ▸Cybersecurity starts with understanding traffic paths.

Network Path

Device
→
Router
→
Internet
→
Server

Types: PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN

  • ▸PAN: personal short-range network.
  • ▸LAN: local building/campus high-speed network.
  • ▸MAN: metro-scale network, WAN: global enterprise/ISP scale.

Network Scale Types

PAN~10m
LANCampus
MANCity
WANGlobal