A network’s configuration describes how the types of servers and clients are used in the network.
Networks are generally divided into three broad categories based on their configuration: centralized networks, peer-to-peer networks, and client/server networks.
peer-to-peer network A network that does not require an administrator and whose computers function as both clients and servers.
client/server network A network built around one or more dedicated servers and is administered from a central location. It supports many clients and multiple computer platforms.
local area network (LAN) A network that is relatively limited in size and that usually connects computers in a small geographical area, such as in the same office building.
wide area network (WAN) A computer network that uses long-range telecommunication links to connect networked computers across long distances
A true peer-to-peer network is a LAN because it can support only a limited number of clients and peripherals, also known as nodes.
node Each piece of hardware, such as a server, client, and shared peripheral, that is connected to a network.
Some LANs make use of wireless technology to create wireless local area networks (WLANs). WLANs use media just like wired networks do, but you cannot see wireless media.
wireless local area network (WLAN) A local area network that uses either infrared (IR) light or radio frequencies (RF) to connect the clients and/or peripherals.
Most WANs use media that can very quickly transfer large amounts of data. These media include wireless connections, satellite uplinks, or specialized types of cabling, such as T1/T3 telephone-type lines or fiber optic cables.
Using these media allows the WANs to employ a large amount of bandwidth.
bandwidth Amount of data that can be transmitted in a given amount of time.
Depending on the amount of ground they cover, WANs are often categorized in subgroups or smaller clusters. These WAN subgroups include:
campus area networks (CANs)
metropolitan area networks (MANs)
home area networks (HANs)
global area networks (GANs)
storage area networks (SANs)