2.7 - CompTIA A+ Core 1

Local Area Network (LAN)

Network restricted to a single building or group of buildings, typically using high-speed 802.11/Ethernet.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Network that spans across multiple cities or countries, with slower communication compared to LANs.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

Network that connects devices within a very small geographic area, such as a room or building, typically using Bluetooth, IR, or NFC.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Network within the same city, larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, commonly owned by metropolitan governments.

Storage Area Network (SAN)

High-speed network that allows connections to a centralized, high-capacity storage facility, requiring large bandwidth for data transfers.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

Wireless 802.11 technologies networks, typically limited to buildings or small geographic areas, which can use wireless access points (WAPs) to extend coverage.

Satellite

Provides wireless connectivity via a non-terrestrial space satellite and is typically used in remote areas where other networking options are unavailable.

Satellite connection latency

Refers to the delay in data transmission, typically around 250ms for satellite connections.

Satellite connection speeds

Typically 50 Mbit/s down, 3 Mbit/s up

Satellite connections need a clear _________ - an unobscured path to transmit wireless connections

line of sight

Fiber

Offers wireless connectivity via optical frequencies and allows communication over long distances with high speeds.

Fiber connection speeds

Typically 0.1 Gbit/s-1 Gbit/s, both up and down

Cable

Provides internet connectivity via a coaxial cable, commonly used for cable television, allowing multiple traffic types.

Cable/broadband connection speeds

Typically 100 Mbit/s down, 10 Mbit/s up

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

Uses existing telephone lines to provide internet connectivity, typically with a speed limitation based on distance from the central office.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) speeds

200 Mbit/s down, 20 Mbit/s up

Cellular

Utilizes a mobile hotspot to provide 802.11 connectivity via cellular networks, with varying speeds based on technology (4G or 5G).

Cellular connection speeds

100 Mbit/s down, 20 Mbit/s up (4G LTE), 650 Mbit/s down, 50 Mbit/s up (5G)

WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider)

Delivers wireless internet connectivity via local ground stations, often in rural or remote areas, and REQUIRES an outdoor antenna.

Typical WISP speeds

10 Mbit/s-1 Gbit/s