A PAN connects devices around one person, a LAN connects devices within a limited site, and a WAN connects networks across much larger geographical areas. This is shared SL and HL content under IB Digital Society 3.4, types of computing networks.
| Network | Typical scope and ownership | Example and purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Personal area network (PAN) | A few metres around an individual; usually controlled by that person | A smartphone connected to wireless earbuds and a smartwatch through Bluetooth |
| Local area network (LAN) | A home, school, office or other limited site; usually managed by one household or organization | A school's computers, printers and servers connected through Ethernet or Wi-Fi |
| Wide area network (WAN) | A city, country or multiple countries; often uses infrastructure supplied by telecommunications companies | A multinational company connecting the LANs in its offices across several countries |
The main distinction is geographical scope, but management and infrastructure also matter. A PAN supports short-range communication between personal devices. A LAN allows devices in one location to share data, services and resources, while a WAN connects separate LANs or other networks over long distances.
A LAN can be wired, wireless or both. Therefore, Wi-Fi does not automatically mean WAN: a school's Wi-Fi normally forms part of its LAN. Similarly, Bluetooth commonly supports a PAN, but the connection method alone does not define the network type.
A common misconception is that the internet and the World Wide Web are the same as a WAN. The internet is a global network of interconnected networks and can be understood as WAN-scale infrastructure. The World Wide Web is only one service that operates through the internet.
In an IB exam, an identify question requires the correct network type, while an explain question requires a reason based on scope, purpose or infrastructure. Use scenario evidence, such as distance and connected devices, rather than relying only on whether the connection is wired or wireless.
