What are the different types of computer networks?

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What are the different types of computer networks?

The different types of computer networks include:

1. Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN is a network that covers a small geographical area, such as a home, office, or building. It allows devices to share resources and communicate with each other.

2. Wide Area Network (WAN): A WAN is a network that covers a large geographical area, such as multiple cities or countries. It connects LANs and allows for long-distance communication.

3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A MAN is a network that covers a larger area than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, typically within a city or metropolitan area. It provides high-speed connectivity for organizations within the same region.

4. Personal Area Network (PAN): A PAN is a network that connects devices within an individual's personal space, such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices. It enables communication and data sharing between these devices.

5. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): A WLAN is a type of LAN that uses wireless technology, such as Wi-Fi, to connect devices without the need for physical cables. It allows for flexible connectivity within a limited area.

6. Campus Area Network (CAN): A CAN is a network that connects multiple LANs within a university campus, corporate campus, or any large-scale organization. It provides seamless communication and resource sharing across different departments or buildings.

7. Storage Area Network (SAN): A SAN is a specialized network that provides high-speed access to shared storage devices, such as disk arrays or tape libraries. It allows multiple servers to access and manage storage resources efficiently.

8. Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN is a network that creates a secure and encrypted connection over a public network, such as the internet. It enables remote users to access a private network securely.

9. Internet: The internet is a global network that connects millions of devices worldwide. It allows for communication, information sharing, and access to various services and resources.

10. Intranet: An intranet is a private network that uses internet technologies to provide internal communication and collaboration within an organization. It is accessible only to authorized users.

11. Extranet: An extranet is a network that allows controlled access to specific external users, such as business partners, suppliers, or customers. It enables secure collaboration and sharing of information between organizations.

These are some of the different types of computer networks commonly used in various settings.