Different types of wireless networks

The days of my pop yelling “turn the wireless up! The ABC news is on” referring to his radio are, thankfully, long gone.

When we discuss wireless networks in 2021, we are talking about the advanced communication technology that enables us to access the internet and live in the connected 21st Century.

The term ‘wireless’ refers to the broad application of wireless networks that you are more than likely familiar with. In this article we drill down to more specific wireless networks, namely wireless LANs, MANs, PANs & WANs.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

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Wireless MAN networks are found in almost all cities around the world and provide access to the internet when located outside of the WLAN network. WMAN networks are large scale and cover a much larger geographic area. The principles of a WMAN are similar to those used in larger WLAN configurations, just on a grander scale. APs are located on the outside of buildings and other appropriate structures where line of sight for antennae is optimised. The APs are connected to the internet via a wired network, preferably fibre optic cable, and the wireless signal is broadcast throughout the desired area.

Examples of MAN networks include cable TV or telephone networks that sell services to the user.

Wide Area Network - (WAN)

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A WAN – in very simple language – is a network of networks. A WAN network is not defined by one location and a WAN provider can facilitate information sharing and communication via electronic devices such as laptops and smartphones from around the world. As an example, the internet is regarded as the world’s largest WAN network.

A WAN network is generally facilitated by a service provider for the purpose of leasing the network to governments, businesses and the general public. 5G technology is another example of a WAN network.