(1) Any arrangement of elements that are interconnected. See
network database.
(2) A system that transmits data between users, which includes the user devices (phones, computers, etc.) and the network equipment (servers, switches, routers, cables, etc.). In wireless systems, antennas replace the cables.
LANs and WANs
Local area networks (LANs) are internal to a home, building or complex, and almost all use the IEEE Ethernet standard. The wireless counterpart is commonly known as "Wi-Fi." Wide area networks (WANs) span large distances, such as a state or nation. See
LAN,
WAN,
Ethernet,
Wi-Fi,
client,
server,
switch,
router,
enterprise networking and
communications.