Network Basics: Classification of Networks

Computer networks can be classified based on several factors, for example bandwith, common applications, common hardware. The most known classification is based on the physical size of the network. Such a classification may look like this:

Interprocessor distance	Processor located in same...	Example

0.1 m			Circuit Board			Data Flow Machine
1 m			System				Multiprocessor
10 m			Room				LAN
100m			Building			LAN
1 km			Site				LAN
10 km			City				MAN
100 km			Country				WAN
1000 km			Continent			WAN
10000 km		Planet				Interconnection of WANs

More important in practical use are:

• LANs (Local Area Networks),
  for example a computer network in a company's department
• MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks),
  for example a cable television network within a city
• WANs (Wide Area Networks, Long Haul Networks),
  for example an ISDN network