network types

PAN (Personal Area Network)

A network connecting devices within very close proximity, usually within 10 metres, using Bluetooth or USB.

LAN (Local Area Network)

A network connecting devices within a small geographical area, such as a home, office, or building, using a switch or router.

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

A network that links devices within a limited area using a Wireless Access Point (WAP) and Wi-Fi rather than physical cabling.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A network spanning large geographical distances, such as between different towns, cities, or countries, to link separate local networks.

Leased line

A dedicated telecommunications connection offering fixed bandwidth, consistent speeds, enhanced security, and faster fault repairs.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A technology providing secure, encrypted communication over the internet for remote access or protection on public Wi-Fi.

Zigbee

A low-energy radio communication protocol for Internet of Things (IoT) devices that forms mesh networks and uses 128-bit encryption.