Do you know that you use a network when you take out some cash from a local ATM? Whenever you send an email or use the internet, again, you are using the network. When you want to book your railway tickets, or airline-tickets, or hotel rooms, you are using a network. There are numerous examples of network usage in our daily lives. So it becomes essential for us to understand the different types of network installation. In this competitive era, network installation plays an important role in residential and commercial settings. In this blog, we will discuss different types of network installations that cater to different needs.
Let us begin our discussion with a simple definition of a network.
What is a network?
A network is a set of two or more interconnected devices and a set of hardware devices—for example, the Internet. This facilitates resource-sharing, file exchange, electronic communication etc.
Types Of Network Installation:
- Local Area Network (LAN) Installation
Small networks that are confined to a localized area, such as an office, a building or a factory, are known as local area networks. The fundamental purpose of a LAN is to serve its users in resource sharing. It usually costs less to set it up. The hardware, as well as software resources, are shared through LANs. For instance, LAN users can share data, information, programs, printers, hard disks, modems etc. These network installations use Ethernet cables, WI-FI connections or a combination of both to form a network infrastructure.
- Wireless Local Area Network( WAN) Installation
Traditionally LANs have been wired, but today’s wireless technology offers certain advantages. We also have wireless LANs known as WLANs. WLANs provide network communication within the range of a LAN using wireless technology like Wi-Fi routers instead of traditional network cabling. WLAN is used in areas like office buildings or public spaces like cafes or airports.
Here are some technologies used by WLANS:
- Wi-fi
- Access Point
- Hotspot
- Wide Area Network (WAN) Installation
The network spread across countries is known as WANs. A Wide Area Network covers large geographical areas, connecting multiple LANs across different locations. The WAN facilitates a fast and efficient exchange of information at lesser costs and high speeds and enables seamless communication. WAN installation involves technologies like leased lines, fiber optics, and satellite connections to establish connections between remote sites. Additionally, WANs are effective for connecting branch offices, remote workers and facilitating centralized management of resources, applications, and databases. However, Organizations use WANs to ensure a reliable and secure network infrastructure.
- Metropolitan Area Network(MAN) Installation
Metropolitan area networks are the networks spread over a city. They cover a moderate-sized geographical area, typically within a city or metro region. For example, cable TV networks that are spread over a city can be termed as metropolitan area networks. These networks are designed to serve organizations with multiple branch offices or campuses spread across a city. Common uses of MANs include connecting educational institutions, government offices, or businesses with multiple locations within a city. The purpose of MAN is also resource sharing, interoffice communication, and centralized management similar to WANs but within a small coverage area.
- Personal Area Network (PAN) Installation
A personal area network is the interconnection of information technology devices within the range of an individual person, typically within a range of 10 meters. For example, a person travelling with a laptop, a personal digital assistant, and a portable printer could interconnect them without having to plug anything in, using some form of wireless technology such as WI-FI. You can use PAN networks to transfer files, including email and calendar appointments, digital photos and music, from your portable devices such as phones and tablets to PC and vice versa. PAN can be wired or wireless. Wired PAN is established through some types of cables, such as USB cables. Wireless PANs use wireless technologies.
- Virtual Private Network (VPN) Installation
VPNs provide a secure method of connecting remote devices or networks over an existing public network, such as the Internet. VPN installation involves establishing encrypted tunnels, ensuring the privacy and integrity of data transmitted over the network. It allows users to access private networks securely from anywhere, making them ideal for remote work scenarios. These installations are often used by businesses to enable employees to connect to the office network or by individuals who want to secure their internet connection while browsing on public Wi-Fi networks.
- Storage Area Network(SAN) Installation
SAN installation involves setting up dedicated network infrastructure entirely for storage purposes. It allows multiple servers to access and share storage resources efficiently. They are commonly used in data centers or organizations that require high-performance and scalable storage solutions.
- CAN (Campus Area Network) Installation
CAN installation focuses on creating a network within a specific campus or location, such as a university or large corporate office. It allows smooth communication and data transfer between various buildings or departments within the campus. It is larger than LANs but smaller than MANs.
- Home Area Network (HAN) Installation
HAN installation establishes a network within a residential setting. It allows devices such as computers, smartphones, smart TVs, and home automation systems to connect and communicate with each other seamlessly. HANs provide convenience by enabling shared internet access, file sharing, and device control from one central hub.
- Wireless Network Installation
Wireless networks use wireless signals to connect devices to a network without physical cables. Wireless network installations involve setting up Wi-Fi access points, configuring network security, and optimizing signal coverage. These installations offer flexibility and convenience, allowing users to connect to the network anywhere within the signal range. These are commonly used in homes, offices, cafes, and public spaces to provide internet access to multiple devices simultaneously.
Conclusion
Each type of network installation requires expertise from skilled networking installers who have knowledge of configuring routers, switches, cabling infrastructure and troubleshooting techniques. You can make the best decision while establishing the right network infrastructure by understanding these above-mentioned different types of network installations.
