Personal Area Network (PAN)

PAN stands forpersonal area network, and again, it's exactly what it sounds like: a network covering a very small area, usually a small room. The best knownwireless PANnetwork technology isBluetooth, and the most popular wired PAN isUSB. You might not think of your wireless headset, your printer or your smartphones as components in a network, but they are definitely talking with each other. Many peripheral devices are actually computers in their own right. Wi-Fi also serves as a PAN technology, since Wi-Fi is also used over a small area.

Local Area Network (LAN)

LAN stands forlocal area network. It covers, as the name suggests, a local area. This usually includes a local office and they're also pretty common in homes now, thanks to the spread ofWi-Fi.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

WAN, in contrast to a LAN, refers to awide area network. The name is exactly what it sounds like: a network that covers an area wider than a LAN. Beyond that, the definition is less clear. Distances can range from a network connecting multiple buildings on a corporate or college campus to satellite links connecting offices in different countries. The most popular WAN is the one you're using to read this article: the internet. It's actually a collection of other networks, including other LANs and WANs – hence, the name.