[Teisha Nolen]

There are several types of network classifications (or scopes) that are used in various situations. A Local Area Network (LAN) connects a network of devices in a local or limited area. This could apply to schools, homes, or office buildings. Conversely, there are Wide Area Networks (WAN) which span over a large area, possibly in multiple cities, states, or even countries. A Wide Area Network is a type of network that connects Local Area Networks. A Personal Area Network (PAN), as its name implies, is a network that covers a very small area, and is not extremely common anymore.

A few others that you might see are campus area networks (CAN), which connect multiple networks on one campus, such as a college campus or a group of office buildings. A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), is used like a CAN but connects buildings or areas within a city. Finally, a Storage Area Network (SAN), again, as its name implies, is used to connect storage devices.