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Networking forms the backbone of today’s connected world, driving communication, data exchange, and information flow in virtually every sector. Technological advancements and growing demands for efficiency and security have given rise to various types and classifications of networking. This article aims to furnish readers with an understanding of the primary types of networking.

Types of Networking Based on Geographical Coverage

One primary way of classifying networking is examining its spread or geographic coverage. This perspective leads to three fundamental types: Local Area Networks (LAN), Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), and Wide Area Networks (WAN).

  • Local Area Network (LAN): It is a computer network that covers a small physical area, usually within a building or a campus. LAN allows devices within this limited area to interact and share resources.
  • Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Serving a more expansive area than a LAN, a MAN could comprise a network of multiple buildings in a city. Citywide internet service providers commonly employ MAN.
  • Wide Area Network (WAN): A WAN spans even larger geographic areas, often across cities, states, or countries. The Internet is a prime example of a WAN.

Types of Networking Based on Functionality and Usage

Another method of categorization stems from the intended purpose or applications of the networks. This yields classifications such as Personal Area Networks (PAN), Campus Area Networks (CAN), and Storage Area Network (SAN).

  • Personal Area Network (PAN): A PAN, typically Bluetooth-based, facilitates communication between devices in an individual’s immediate vicinity, usually within 10 meters.
  • Campus Area Network (CAN): A CAN connects networks within a specific academic or corporate campus. It acts as a larger LAN or a smaller MAN, depending on the campus size.
  • Storage Area Network (SAN): SANs are high-speed networks that connect shared pools of storage devices to multiple servers.

Types of Networking Based on Architecture

Networking architecture primarily evolves from two types: Peer-to-peer (P2P) and Client/Server networks.

  • Peer-to-peer (P2P): In a P2P network, all computers have equal status. They can both provide and access resources, with no central server or authority.
  • Client/Server: This type of network features servers that store information and manage resources. Clients are computers that request and use resources.

In the digitalized business environment, certain networking solutions have become tremendously popular. Among them, the meraki service manager stands out for its high operational efficiency and robust features. It offers cloud-managed networking, thereby reducing complexity and delivering network-wide visibility and control for effortless network management.

Understanding these types of networking can help businesses and individuals tailor their networking solutions according to their specific circumstances and requirements. It also assists in making informed decisions while selecting network management tools and services, thereby paving the way towards improved communication, streamlined operations, and optimized resource usage.