Defined by their size and complexity, they come in four main types: (1) small networks, used for the connection of subassemblies and usually ­contained in a single piece of equipment; (2) Local Area Networks, or LAN, cables or fibers used to connect computer equipment and other terminals distributed in a localized area, such as on a college campus; (3) Metropolitan Area Networks, or MAN, a high-speed network used to interconnect LANs spread around a small geographic region such as a city; and (4) Wide Area Networks, or WAN, multiple communication connections, including microwave radio links and satellites, used to connect computers and other terminals over large geographic distances.

See Also: Local Area Network (LAN); Wide Area Network (WAN).