Types of Network Infrastructures Explained

Network infrastructures are the mainstay of businesses today.  They are used to connect workstations together in a way that allows data to be shared with one another, it allows workstations the ability to access the internet, print documents, download attachments from emails, and so much more. Instead of managing a number of devices spread across different locations, networks can manage the same duties from just a handful of gadgets. 

This is a guide on different network infrastructures that are used in business today and how they are used.

(PAN) Personal Area Network

A minimalist approach to building a network is known as a personal area network.  They are usually comprised of a wireless modem, a workstation or two, telephones, printers, scanners, tablets, and such.  The devices are all centered around one workstation.

(LAN) Local Area Network

The most common type of network that is installed is known as a local area network.  It is commonly used in businesses and is one of the most modest types of networks.  A LAN joins workstations and other low-voltage devices within a location or group of locations in a close vicinity of one another, allowing them to share information and resources.  Often a company will employ an individual (s) or outsource an individual(s) to manage their network services.  A router connects the LAN to wide area networks, WAN, that quickly and securely transmit data. 

(WLAN) Wireless Local Area Network

Much like a LAN, WLANs use wireless network technology like WiFi.  This type of network does not require devices to rely on tangible cables to join together the network.  A LAN unlike a WLAN requires the use of physical cables.

(CAN) Campus Area Network

A campus area network is larger than a LAN however smaller than a MAN.  A CAN is typical for use at schools, universities and medium sized businesses.  Resources can be shared throughout several buildings that are close to one another. 

(MAN) Metropolitan Area Network

A MAN incorporates features from both LANs and WANs.  A metropolitan area network is effective throughout a geographic location such as a town, city, or sometimes even large university campuses.  There is usually one owner, either an individual or company, that maintains the network

(WAN) Wide Area Network

Wide area networks are more complex than a LAN.  WANs are used to connect workstations throughout a larger physical area.  Workstations and low voltage devices are connected remotely to one another using a larger network to communicate.  This type of network can work across several miles. 

The most familiar WAN is the Internet.  The internet connects computers throughout the globe.  A WAN’s has the ability to reach a great distance.  They are most often owned, operated, and maintained by more than one administrator. 

Other types of networks include:

  • (SAN) Storage-Area Network
  • (SAN) System-Area Network
  • (POLAN) Passive Optical Local Area Network
  • (EPN) Enterprise Private Network
  • (VPN) Virtual Private Network


Networking Services Create Continuity Between Household Technologies

Very few of us have ever experienced a time without computers, cell phones, Netflix, and the likes.  No longer are we looking for homes with big backyards but instead homes that have access to high speed internet and cable.  Our generation experiences things differently than past generations.  We desire reliable home networking, we want to be connected at all times.  In order to do this, we need methods to distribute audio, video, and data throughout our entire home, as we would the networks in our workplaces.  We accomplish this through structured cabling, also known as low-voltage wiring, that is professionally installed to allow the technology within our homes to work together.

Home networking allows our private collection of devices (computers, phones, gaming consoles, printers, and more) to connect to one another through a router or switch thus creating a local network.  A network within your home creates an environment where your devices are able to communicate with one another.  This leads to endless opportunities such as media streaming, network backup, multi-player gaming, and more. 

Without any knowledge on how to network your devices the process of connecting all the pieces together can seem daunting.  There are many companies, like Creative Programs and Systems, that offer both residential and commercial networking services, including structured cable installation.  There are a number of devices that are at the center of connecting devices within your home or business alike.  Routers, switches, and modems are all equally important entities in creating an efficient network. 

  • Modem: A modem is a device that can either be rented through your internet service provider or you can purchase your own.   A modem turns their network signal, which runs through a phone line, copper coaxial, or glass fiber, into a normally accepted computer network signal.  For some generations this connection came from the modem dialing into a telephone in order to establish a connection.  You could hear the connection trying to be established back in the day, today’s connections are silent and operate over a different infrastructure then a landline telephone.
  • Router: The router is a central point of contact between the devices within your network and the internet connection that is provided by your modem.  In some cases, the modem will be built directly into the router.  If you have both a separate router and modem, the router will plug into the modem with an ethernet cable plugged into the Wide Area Network, WAN port on the router.
  • Switch: A switch is used to extend your network.  It takes one port and turns it into many.  Switches can be purchased in a number of sizes from 4 ports to 24.  Most switches that are used in networking homes are unmanaged, which means you just plug them in, and they are already configured correctly.  Managed switches are mainly installed in commercial settings where different priorities are assigned depending on their importance.

Not only are there a variety of devices used to centrally connect your home there are different types of network connections. 

  • Ethernet/LAN: The physical cables that plug into your router or switch into a LAN port are known as providing a LAN or Ethernet network.  LAN cables can be run up to 100 meters without any lag in performance.  The only factor that really limits this connection is messy cabling between doorways and through walls.
  • Wi-Fi/Wireless LAN: This type of connections functions similar to Ethernet or LAN without the need for cables.  Instead the connection occurs through radio waves and doesn’t require messy cables.

There are also several methods of connecting to the internet including: Dial-Up, DSL, Cable, satellite, and USB dongle.  A lot of different pieces need to come together to create a flawless system when it comes to creating a home network.  The professionals at CPS specialize in both commercial and residential networking including structured cabling installation.
