Wide Area Network (WAN) A WAN is a computer network that spans a large geographic area — from cities to entire countries or globally. It connects multiple LANs (Local Area Networks) together, enabling communication and resource sharing across long distances. The Internet itself is the largest WAN. Key Characteristics Examples 4. Challenges WAN vs Internet WAN vs LAN vs WLAN Feature LAN WLAN WAN Coverage Local (home, office, campus) Local, wireless (Wi‑Fi) Wide area (cities, countries) Connection Ethernet cables Wi‑Fi radio waves Telecom lines, satellites, fiber Speed Very high (100 Mbps–10 Gbps) Variable (depends on Wi‑Fi standard) Lower, depends on distance/infra Ownership Private Private Mix of private & public
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a computer network that covers a city or metropolitan area. It is larger than a LAN (Local Area Network) but smaller than a WAN (Wide Area Network). MANs connect multiple LANs across a city, often using high‑speed fiber optic cables. Key Characteristics Examples LAN vs MAN vs WAN Feature LAN MAN WAN Coverage Building, campus City or metropolitan area Country, continent, global Speed Very high (100 Mbps–10 Gbps) High (hundreds Mbps–Gbps) Lower, depends on distance/infra Ownership Private (home, office) Telecoms, governments, universities Mix of private & public Example Home Wi‑Fi, office LAN Citywide university network The Internet, global corporate WAN
A router is a device that sits at the boundary between networks and decides where to send data packets. It connects multiple IP networks or subnetworks and ensures that traffic flows efficiently. Core Functions Types of Routers Router vs Switch vs Modem Device Role Layer Example Router Connects different networks, directs packets Layer 3 (Network) Home router linking LAN to Internet Switch Connects devices within one LAN Layer 2 (Data Link) Office switch connecting PCs & printers Modem Converts signals for ISP connection Layer 1 (Physical) DSL/cable modem providing Internet
A switch is a networking device that connects multiple devices (computers, printers, servers) within the same Local Area Network (LAN) and forwards data intelligently based on MAC addresses. How It Works Types of Switches Key Functions Switch vs Router vs Hub Device Role Layer Example Switch Connects devices within a LAN, forwards by MAC Layer 2 Office PCs connected together Router Connects different networks, forwards by IP Layer 3 Home LAN to Internet
Traditional Meaning A modem (short for modulator–demodulator) is a device that converts signals so your computer or router can communicate with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Fiber Era: ONT Core Functions Types of Modems Modem vs Router vs Switch Device Role OSI Layer Example Modem Converts signals, connects to ISP Layer 1 (Physical) DSL/cable/fiber modem Router Connects different networks, directs packets Layer 3 (Network) Home router linking LAN to Internet Switch Connects devices within LAN, forwards by MAC Layer 2 (Data Link) Office switch connecting PCs & printers
What Is Domain Registration? Governance & Hierarchy Domain Name Space Reserved Domains Certain domains are reserved and cannot be registered:
IP Address Domain Name DNS (Domain Name System) Relationship Between Them Example: Summary
Routing Forwarding Relationship Example Summary
Static IP Dynamic IP Putting It Together Example Summary:
Public IP Address Private IP Address NAT (Network Address Translation) Putting It Together
IP Address MAC Address IP–MAC Binding Example Benefits Summary
IP address allocation is the hierarchical infrastructure process of distributing unique numerical identifiers (IP addresses) to networks and devices, ensuring that data can be correctly routed across the global internet. IP Address Space Global Governance Who Gets the IPs Public IP Addresses Private IP Addresses Reserved IP Addresses Summary Table Category Routable on Internet Example Range / Address Purpose Quantity (approx.) Public IP Yes 8.8.8.8 Global communication ~3.7 billion usable (out of 4.3 billion total IPv4) Private IP No 192.168.0.0/16 Local networks (home/office) ~18 million addresses across 3 reserved ranges Reserved IP No (special use) 127.0.0.1, 169.254.0.0/16 Loopback, link-local, multicast ~600 million+ reserved for special functions “IPv4 has about 4.3 billion addresses (mostly exhausted), while IPv6 has ~3.4×10^38. IANA allocates blocks to RIRs,...
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