(_AN) Area Networks

Question 1

VLAN

Answer 1

Virtual Local Area Network

Separate broadcast domains provided inside of a Switch via configuration of simultaneous virtual “networks” between certain interfaces

Question 2

Encrypted Tunnel

Answer 2

[VPN]

“Private” connection created virtually between client and a Concentrator over a Public Network using encryption

Question 3

LAN

Answer 3

Local Area Network

Inside the same building or campus, usually providing the highest bandwidth comms possible

Question 4

WAN

Answer 4

Wide Area Network

Network between cities, countries, continents, unable to achieve LAN speeds. Terrestrial and/or RF transmitters.

Topologies: Point-to-Point Serial or MPLS or Other

Question 5

PAN

Answer 5

Personal Area Network

Local to a single user, multi-device / peripheral use over comms

Bluetooth, NFC, or Infrared

E.g. personal fitness, car accessory Integration, wireless audio and mic

Question 6

MAN

Answer 6

Metropolitan Area Network

Company or Organizational private network run between separate locations in a geographic area. Often over public ROW / conduits owned by municipalities

Wider than LAN, slower
Local-er than WAN, faster too

Topologies: MAN-specific

Question 7

SAN

Answer 7

Storage Area Network

Ultra high throughput LAN extending local storage with efficient Read/Writes to centralized storage system on-site

Requires isolated comms infra

Question 8

WLAN

Answer 8

Wireless Local Area Network

Highly localized vs. a traditional LAN, within 802.11 signal range, but also scalable by adding extra Access Points