Network Types by Coverage Scope | Generated by AI
Question: How are computer networks classified based on their communication coverage area, and which classifications correspond to “a single unit (school),” “a city,” “one or several countries,” and “worldwide”?
Answer:
Based on the geographical scope of their communication coverage, computer networks are primarily classified into four categories. Below is the classification along with the specific correspondences you requested:
1. Classification of Computer Networks by Coverage
Computer networks are generally divided into the following four types:
- Local Area Network (LAN)
- Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
- Wide Area Network (WAN)
- Internet (or Internetwork)
2. Correspondence to Specific Scenarios
| Coverage Scope | Network Classification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A single unit (e.g., a school) | Local Area Network (LAN) | Covers a small geographic area such as a home, office building, or school campus. It is characterized by high speed and low latency. |
| A city | Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) | Spans a larger area than a LAN, typically covering a city or a large campus. It often interconnects multiple LANs within that metropolitan region. |
| One or several countries | Wide Area Network (WAN) | Covers a broad area that extends across towns, cities, regions, or even national borders. It connects multiple LANs and MANs over long distances. |
| Worldwide | Internet | The global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the standard Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP). It is essentially a “network of networks” spanning the entire globe. |
Summary of Matches:
- “A single unit (school)” $\rightarrow$ Local Area Network (LAN)
- “A city” $\rightarrow$ Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
- “One or several countries” $\rightarrow$ Wide Area Network (WAN)
- “Worldwide” $\rightarrow$ Internet