Considering the size or span of a network, we can classify them as follows :
PAN (Personal Area Network) : PAN is made up of devices used by a single person. It has a range of a few meters.
WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) : It is a PAN network that uses wireless technologies as a medium.
LAN (Local Area Network) : LAN is a network whose range is limited to a relatively small area, such as a room, a building, an aeroplane, etc.
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) : WLAN is a LAN network that uses wireless means of communication. It is a widely used configuration due to its scalability and because it does not require the installation of cables.
CAN (Campus Area Network) : A network of high-speed devices that connects LANs in a limited geographical area, such as a university campus, a military base, etc.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) or metropolitan area network : It is a high-speed (broadband) network providing coverage in a larger geographic area than a campus, but still limited.
WAN (Wide Area Network) : WAN extends over a large geographical area using unusual means of communication, such as satellites, interoceanic cables, fibre optics, etc. Use public media.
VLAN : It is a type of logical or virtual LAN, mounted on a physical network, in order to increase security and performance. In special cases, thanks to the 802.11Q protocol (also called QinQ), it is possible to mount virtual networks on WAN networks. It is important not to confuse this implementation with VPN technology.
