Networks and the Internet

Front

An interconnected system of computers and other devices that can communicate and share resources with each other

Back

networks

Front

Network for connecting devices within an individual person's workspace. Ex: Wireless keyboard and mouse connected to a computer

Back

personal area network (PAN)

Front

Network connecting devices within a limited area, such as a home, school, or office building

Back

local area network (LAN)

Front

Network spanning a city or large campus

Back

Metropolitan area network (MAN)

Front

Network covering a broad geographical area, often connecting multiple LANs

Back

Wide area network (WAN)

Front

Networks that use physical cables to transmit data between devices

Back

wired networks

Front

Networks that use radio waves or other electromagnetic signals to transmit data without physical connections

Back

wireless networks

Front

Computing resources accessed over the internet rather than from local infrastructure

Back

cloud networks

Front

Network where centralized servers provide resources to client devices. Ex: School systems with central servers

Back

client-server networks

Front

Network where devices connect directly to each other without requiring a central server. Ex: Skype's direct call routing between users

Back

peer-to-peer networks (P2P)