> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.karchunt.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Type of Networks Networks can be classified based on the **physical area (Geographical)** or **distance** that the network covers. The range is starting from small personal networks to large global networks. geographical-area ### PAN (Personal Area Network) A **PAN** is a network that is used for communication between devices in **close proximity**. * **Range**: 1 to 10 meters * **Technologies**: Bluetooth, NFS, USB * **Example**: Smartphone connecting to a wireless headset or a smartwatch ### LAN (Local Area Network) A **LAN** is one of the most common types of networks, which is used to connect devices within a **limited area**. * **Range**: A single room, a home, or a building * **Technologies**: Ethernet, Wi-Fi * **Example**: A home network connecting computers, smartphones, and printers ### CAN (Campus Area Network) A **CAN** is a network that **connects multiple LANs** within a **limited/specific geographical area**. It's bigger than a LAN but smaller than a city-wide network. * **Range**: University campus, corporate headquarters * **Technologies**: Fiber optics, Switches * **Example**: A university campus network connecting different departments, libraries, lecture halls, etc ### MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) A **MAN** is a network that covers an **entire city** or a **large town/campus**. It's often used to connect mulitple LANs across a town. * **Range**: City or large town/campus * **Technologies**: Fiber, Microwave links * **Example**: A city's free public Wi-Fi network or a university campus network connecting multiple buildings across the city ### WAN (Wide Area Network) A **WAN** is a network that covers a **large geographical area**, such as multiple cities, countries, or even continents. WANs are used to connect smaller networks (like LANs and MANs) over long distances, but they do not necessarily span the entire globe. * **Range**: Country, continent, or intercontinental * **Technologies**: Leased lines, Satellites, Internet * **Example**: A multinational company's private network connecting offices in different countries; the Internet as a collection of interconnected WANs ### GAN (Global Area Network) A **GAN** is a network that covers the **entire globe**. It is essentially a network of WANs, providing worldwide connectivity. The Internet is the best-known example of a GAN, as it connects billions of devices globally using a combination of satellite, undersea cables, and other technologies. * **Range**: Global * **Technologies**: Satellite communication, Undersea cables * **Example**: The Internet, which is a global network connecting billions of devices worldwide