Types of Networks

Types of Networks:
LANs (Local Area Networks)
A network is any group of independent computers that transfer with one another over a shared network medium. LANs are networks usually limited to a geographic area, such as a single building or a college campus. A Local Area Network (LAN) is basically a smaller network that does connect to a small area.

Metropolitan Area Networks
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) connects two or more computers (LANs) together but not the limits of a city, town, or metropolitan area. Within this type of network is also the Campus Area Network, which is generally smaller than a MAN, connecting LANs within a limited specific area, like a university campus, military base, or industrial complex.
WANs (Wide Area Networks)
Wide area networking chains multiple LANs that are geographically distinct. This is able by connecting the different LANs using services such as dedicated leased phone lines, fiber links, and satellite links. Wide Area Networks (WAN) connect larger areas. Often, smaller LANs are interconnected to large WAN. For instance, an office LAN in India may be connected to office LANs for the same company in US to form a WAN spanning the whole company. The individual offices are no longer part of individual LANs, they are instead part of a worldwide WAN. The connection of this type of network is complex. WANs are normally connected using multiplexers connect local and metropolitan networks to global communications networks like the Internet.

Internet
The Internet is a system of joined networks that are worldwide in scope and enable data communication services such as remote login, file transfer, electronic mail, the World Wide Web and newsgroups. Now a day the Internet has become a communications highway for millions of users. The Internet was initially restricted to military and academic institutions, but now it is a complete conduit for any and all forms. Internet websites now provide personal, educational, political and economic resources to every corner of the globe.

Intranet
With the developments made in browser-based software for the Internet, many private organizations are implementing intranets. An intranet is a private network utilizing Internet-type tools, but accessible only within that organization. For large organizations, an intranet provides an easy access mode to business information for employees.