Whether you’re a business or want to be fully informed of the options of networking for your home, understanding the different types of networks can help you make informed decisions when it comes to transferring data between devices.
One type of network is a local area network (LAN), which connects devices in a single location using cabling to connect devices together. Ethernet LAN is a popular type of LAN that uses twisted pair cabling to connect devices.
For larger geographic areas, a metropolitan area network (MAN) can be used to connect multiple LANs together. MANs use high-speed cabling or radio waves to transfer data.
If you need to connect devices in different geographic locations, a wide area network (WAN) can be used. WANs use a variety of networking technologies, including radio waves and cabling, to connect devices across larger areas.
In addition to these types of networks, there are also different network topologies, such as token ring and virtual private network (VPN), that can be used to connect devices.
Find out which network solution is best for you
What is a local area network (LAN)
A group of devices that are linked together in a single physical location, such as a building, office, or home, is called a LAN. It can be either small, such as a home network with just one user, or large, such as an enterprise network with thousands of users and devices located in a school or hospital.
The primary feature that distinguishes a LAN is that it connects devices within a limited area, regardless of its size. On the other hand, a wide area network (WAN) or metropolitan area network (MAN) covers larger geographical areas. While some WANs and MANs link multiple LANs together.
Different Types of LAN
There are several types of LANs that vary based on their architecture and capabilities. At The WiFi Specialist, we provide LAN installation services for all types of networks. Here are the main types of LANs:
- Client-server LAN: In this type of LAN, a central server connects to multiple client devices. Client devices cannot interact with each other, and the server handles network traffic management, access control, and other activities. Client-server LANs are faster in smaller perimeters, but in larger ones, they can put too much pressure on the central server.
- Peer-to-Peer (P2P) LAN: P2P LANs have no centralised server, and all connected devices have access to each other, regardless of whether they are servers or clients. This makes it easy for devices to exchange data, but they tend to be less powerful than client-server LANs.
- Wired LAN: Wired LANs use electronic waves to transfer data across optical fibre cable variants instead of tokens. They are reliable and can be very fast but can hinder portability and flexibility.
- Wireless LAN: Wireless LANs use radio-frequency for data transfers, making them ideal for connecting computing devices, wearables, smart appliances, etc.
- Cloud-Managed LAN: In this type of LAN, a centralised cloud platform is used to manage network provisioning, access control, policy enforcement, and other aspects of network performance and security. Cloud-managed LANs streamline governance in various networked environments, making them a good fit for enterprise use.
Professional LAN Installation
Are you looking to set up a Local Area Network (LAN) in your home or office? The WiFi Specialist is here to help. Our professional LAN installation services can help you connect your devices and get online quickly and easily.
Our team of experienced technicians will perform a site survey of your location and design a LAN plan that meets your specific requirements and budget. We will install and configure the required networking hardware, including switches, routers, and access points, and ensure that the LAN is working as expected.
We use high-quality cables and networking hardware to deliver optimal performance and reliability. Our LAN installation services are suitable for all types of locations, including homes, offices, and other businesses.
In addition to LAN installation, we also offer ongoing maintenance and support services to ensure that your LAN continues to function smoothly over time. Our team is always available to answer any questions you may have and provide the support you need.
If you’re interested in our LAN installation services, please contact us today to discuss your requirements and get a quote.
Contact The Wifi Specialist today for a quote or to arrange a no obligation survey
Our Happy Clients
I was struggling to get a decent wifi signal down to the garden office until the Wifi Specialists recommended a Point to Point kit. Now the internet is faster in the office than it is in the house. The guys did a great job installing too, keeping all the cabling very neat and hidden wherever possible. Even sorted out the TV aerial cable while they were doing the P2P cabling! Great service, strongly recommend.
Richard G
Couldn't recommend Indy more highly. They helped us implement an effective corporate wifi solution at very short notice. Communication throughout was excellent and we look forward to working with them again.
Francesca M
Indy and Rakki are first class guys, they did a professional job in record time and I ended up with a better router indoors as well as the Access point outdoors which now covers the whole garden. Definitely recommend the Wifi specialists.
John M
I'm absolute delighted with the service provided by The WiFi Specialist in running an ethernet cable out to my garden office. Indy was extremely helpful in discussion the options available to me, and recommending the right approach, and the work was carried out efficiently and with minimum disruption. I'm thrilled to now have a secure connection, and would definitely recommend The WiFi Specialist to anyone looking to improve connectivity.
Simon M
Excellent, knowledgeable, seamless experience with Indy and team. Not to mention my now perfect wifi!
Sarah K
I had been struggling with my wifi signal around my house for a number of years and the situation only got worse as we moved to remote working. After many attempts to get the issue addressed through the local ISP, I (my wife and kids) decided that I needed a specialist to come in. Indy made the whole process very simple from the initial site visit, design guidance and installation. I had my house refurbished a few years ago so adding new cabling around the house needed knowledge and experience. Indy and Rak did a great job at concealing the cat6 cables and provided a professional finish. I now have full wifi signal all around the house, garden and garage. I would highly recommend The Wi-Fi Specialist. Thank you.
Amarjit K
The IT service from this company was exemplary and resulted in a very good WiFi signal throughout the house. Indy was generous with his time and explained the technology well, without trying to sell equipment that would have been unnecessary for a domestic installation. He is friendly, knowledgeable and very professional. It was a great pleasure to work with him.
Andy A
