1. What is LAN, WAN, WLAN?

A LAN comprises cables, access points, switches, routers, and other components that
enable devices to connect to internal servers, web servers, and other LANs via wide area
networks. The rise of virtualization has also fueled the development of virtual LANs, which
enable network administrators to logically group network nodes and partition their networks
without a need for major infrastructure changes. For example, in an office with multiple
departments, such as accounting, IT support, and administration, each department's
computers could be logically connected to the same switch but segmented to behave as if
they are separate.

A wide area network (also known as WAN), is a large network of information that is not
tied to a single location. WANs can facilitate communication, the sharing of information and
much more between devices from around the world through a WAN provider. WANs can be
vital for international businesses, but they are also essential for everyday use, as the internet
is considered the largest WAN in the world. Keep reading for more information on WANs,
their use, how they differ from other networks and their overall purpose for businesses and
people, alike.

A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a wireless distribution method for two or more
devices. WLANs use high-frequency radio waves and often include an access point to the
Internet. A WLAN allows users to move around the coverage area, often a home or small
office, while maintaining a network connection. A WLAN is sometimes called a local area
wireless network (LAWN).

2. What are the uses of the different network types?

When to use a LAN:

 If you have many users needing to connect at a single location.

 When devices and resources need to communicate directly with one another within a
small geographic area.

When not to use a LAN:

 Connecting users across vast distances, such as in separate cities.

 If you don’t have control over the assets connecting to your network, you may want to be
cautious on setting up a LAN for them to communicate

When to use a PAN:

 You’re looking to connect accessories or peripherals to laptops, cell phones, etc.

 The devices generally don’t need to connect directly to the internet.

 When not to use a PAN:

 You’re looking to share resources between different users.

 The distance between the devices is more than a few feet

When to use a WLAN:

 Mobility of devices while connected to the network is important.

 Your devices don’t support a type of wired network connection.

 You need to connect devices not physically close to existing network infrastructure.

 There are more devices you need to connect than the number of ports on your router or
switch and you can’t add an additional switch or router.

When not to use a WLAN:

 Consistent unwavering performance is important.

 Security is the only priority.

 Data transfer rates exceed those available through wireless technologies.

When to use a WAN:

 You have devices spread over a wide geography that need to communicate directly with
each other.

When not to use a WAN:

 Cost is the only priority, as some WAN technologies such as leased lines can become
cost prohibitive.

 Consistent performance is a primary requirement, as some WAN technologies can vary in

performance.
When to use a MAN:

 You have devices spread over a regional geography that need to communicate directly
with each other.
 You have the ability to provide connectivity, wired or wireless, between each location.
 When not to use a MAN:

 Cost is a primary requirement, as less costly solutions to connect sites may exist.
 Devices to be connected are spread out over a larger geographic area.

When to use a CAN:

 You have devices spread over campus that need to communicate directly with each other.

 You have the ability to provide connectivity, wired or wireless, between each building.

When not to use a CAN:

 Cost is a primary requirement, as less costly solutions to connect sites may exist.

 Devices to be connected are spread out over a larger geographic area, not isolated to just
the campus.

When to use a VPN:

 You need to facilitate secure communications between two locations but don’t have any
direct connectivity between the two locations.

 You need to provide remote access to resources at a central location to remote users.

When not to use a VPN:

 Speed is your only concern. The encryption process adds slight overhead to
communications.

When to use an EPN:

 You need to facilitate secure communications between two locations but don’t have any
direct connectivity between the two locations.

 You need to provide users spread across various locations consistent access to resources
spread across various locations.

 There are requirements to scale and grow the network over time.

When not to use an EPN:

 Your network team is resource-constrained. EPNs require additional time to set up,
update, and maintain.
  Redundant links between locations aren’t possible, as this will introduce additional
failure points to the network.

When to use a SAN:

 There are multiple devices that need to share the resources available on one or more
storage devices.

 You require centralized storage for data across all resources.

When not to use a SAN:

 You’re budget constrained. There may be significant upfront investment to establish a

SAN.

 You’re resource constrained. SANs may require additional maintenance and upkeep
compared to local storage.

3. What is an intranet, extranet is and outline their differences with the internet?

Many of our users want to know the difference between the Internet, intranet,
extranet. This question can be partially answered by looking at each of the words'
prefixes; inter means between, intra means within, and extra means outside or beyond.

Essentially, the Internet is open to the entire world, whereas an intranet is a

private space, usually within a business. An extranet is essentially a combination of both
the Internet and an intranet. An extranet is like an intranet that allows access only to
certain outside individuals or businesses.

Generally, intranet connections are much faster than Internet connections, because
the electronic signals travel a shorter physical distance. Also, the network hardware on an
intranet is controlled entirely by the organization using it, so there is less competition for
network resources.

4. What are the concepts of downloading from, uploading to a network, cite common

examples of transactions involving downloading from and uploading network.

Downloading and uploading

While exploring the Internet, you’ve probably encountered the
terms downloading and uploading. Downloading means receiving data or a file from the
Internet on your computer. Uploading means sending data or a file from your computer to
somewhere on the Internet.
These terms describe activities you may have already learned how to do. If you've ever opened
an example document in one of our tutorials, you've downloaded that file. If you’ve ever shared a
photo you took on Facebook or another social media site, you've uploaded that photo.
Downloading
Usually, when you download a file you will start the download by clicking a link to that file.
Many of our tutorials contain links to files, like this:
If you click the link, your browser should prompt you to select one of two methods for
downloading the file.

 Open with will download the file and load it immediately in the specified program.
 Save File will download it and save it to your hard drive.