User's Guide

Connection Types
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Connection Types
LAN. A Local Area Network (LAN) links workstations, processors, and other equip-
ment within a local area, such as the inside of a building.
WAN. A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network with connections spanning
broader distances than a LAN and typically with connections to the Public Switched
Telecommunications Network (PSTW). A WAN might connect locations in different
buildings or different geographic regions.
Internetwork. An internetwork is formed by linking networks to other networks or
devices. For example, a link between local area networks in different buildings creates
an internetwork.
Point-to-Point. A point-to-point connection is a direct link between locations.
Multipoint. A network or internetwork with multiple sites. A large multipoint con-
nection generally uses a central site to pass messages between the locations, and the
individual locations (substations) have direct connections to the central site, but not to
each other.