Introduction to LAN, WAN and Home Networking

Residences typically employ one LAN and connect to the Internet WAN via an Internet Service Provider (ISP) using a broadband modem. The ISP provides a WAN IP address to the modem, and all of the computers on the home network use LAN (so-called private) IP addresses. All computers on the home LAN can communicate directly with each other but must go through a central gateway, typically a broadband router, to reach the ISP.

Types of Area Networks

While LAN and WAN are by far the most popular network types mentioned, you may also commonly see references to these others:

Wireless Local Area Network - a LAN based on WiFi wireless network technology

Metropolitan Area Network - a network spanning a physical area larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, such as a city. A MAN is typically owned an operated by a single entity such as a government body or large corporation.
Campus Area Network - a network spanning multiple LANs but smaller than a MAN, such as on a university or local business campus.
Storage Area Network - connects servers to data storage devices through a technology like Fibre Channel.

System Area Network - links high-performance computers with high-speed connections in a cluster configuration. Also known as Cluster Area Network.