What are the different types of wireless networks?

Wireless networks can be categorised into five main types: Personal Area Network (PAN), Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and Global Area Network (GAN).

A Personal Area Network (PAN) is the smallest and most basic type of wireless network. It's designed for personal use within a range of about 10 meters. Bluetooth is a common example of a wireless PAN, allowing devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers to connect to each other and share data. Other examples include wireless keyboards and mice, which connect to a computer via a PAN.

A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a network that covers a larger area, such as a home, office, or school. WLANs are typically created using a wireless access point that broadcasts signals to devices within range. The most common type of WLAN is a Wi-Fi network. These networks allow multiple devices to connect to the internet or share data with each other within a certain area.

Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) cover a larger area than a LAN, typically a city or town. They are often used by local governments and businesses to connect multiple locations within a specific geographic area. For example, a city might use a MAN to connect its city hall, public libraries, and other municipal buildings. WiMAX technology is often used to create MANs.

A Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) covers a much larger geographic area, often a region, country, or even the entire globe. These networks use mobile telecommunication cellular network technologies such as 3G, 4G, and 5G. Mobile phones, tablets, and laptops with cellular capabilities can connect to the internet using WWANs.

Lastly, a Global Area Network (GAN) is a network that supports global operations. This type of network uses satellite systems or a combination of different networks to achieve global coverage. An example of a GAN is the internet itself, which connects smaller networks around the world.