A LAN can be made up of multiple local networks. All of the local
networks within a LAN are under one administrative control
group. This group enforces the security and access control
policies of the network. In this context, the word Local refers to
local consistent control rather than being physically close to each
other.
A LAN can be as small as a single local network installed in a
home or small office.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
WAN connects multiple smaller networks such as LANs that are in geographically separated
locations. The most common example of a WAN is the Internet.
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
A Wireless LAN is a Local Area Network that uses radio waves to transmit data
between wireless devices.
On a WLAN you can share resources, such as files and printers, and
access the Internet.
PAN (Personal Area Network)
A personal area network (PAN) is a network that connects devices, such as mice,
keyboards, printers, smartphone, and tablets within the range of an individual person.
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that enables devices to communicate
over short distances. A Bluetooth device can connect up to seven other
Bluetooth devices.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
MAN spans across a large campus or a city. The network
consists of various buildings interconnected through wireless or fiber optic
backbones.
A MAN can act as a high-speed network to allow sharing of
regional resources.