To the user, it looks, and works like a storage drive that’s physically attached to a computer.
SAN (storage area network): A SAN is a specialized network that provides access to block-level storage-shared network or cloud storage. For example, if you have an iPhone and a Mac, it’s likely you’ve set up a PAN that shares and syncs content-text messages, emails, photos, and more-across both devices. PAN (personal area network): A PAN serves one person. Cities and government entities typically own and manage MANs. MAN (metropolitan area network): MANs are typically larger than LANs but smaller than WANs. You will typically see collective or distributed ownership models for WAN management. The internet is the largest WAN, connecting billions of computers worldwide. WAN (wide area network): As the name implies, a WAN connects computers over a wide area, such as from region to region or even continent to continent. WLAN (wireless local area network): A WLAN is just like a LAN but connections between devices on the network are made wirelessly.
Typically, LANs are privately owned and managed. For example, a LAN may connect all the computers in an office building, school, or hospital. LAN (local area network): A LAN connects computers over a relatively short distance, allowing them to share data, files, and resources. Here are the most common and widely used computer network types: As networking needs evolved, so did the computer network types that serve those needs.