Defined by their size and complexity, they come
in four main types: (1) small networks, used for the connection of
subassemblies and usually Âcontained in a single piece of equipment; (2) Local
Area Networks, or LAN, cables or
fibers used to connect computer equipment and other terminals distributed in a
localized area, such as on a college campus; (3) Metropolitan Area Networks, or
MAN, a high-speed network used to interconnect LANs spread around a small
geographic region such as a city; and (4) Wide Area Networks, or WAN, multiple communication
connections, including microwave radio links and satellites, used to connect
computers and other terminals over large geographic distances.
See Also:
Local Area Network (LAN); Wide Area Network (WAN).