Is this a PAN or a WAN?

Question

When we connect two computers to each other using a medium and no other computer is connected to them, would we call this network a PAN or a LAN? We usually connect peripheral devices in the case of PAN. What about this case?

Answer 1

PAN and LAN (and WAN) are subjective terms, but the distinction I would make would be:

• PAN: A very small network usually used by one person. The only common medium that falls in this category is Bluetooth.
• LAN: A network that allows related computers within the same geographic area to communicate.

If you have the two computers plugged directly into each other, I would agree with Tog that they are simply linked together. You can say they are networked, but in my opinion it's a little misleading.

If the two computers plug into a switch or hub, then I would say you have a LAN which happens to only have two computers on it.

Answer 2

Since only a maximum of two devices can be connected, I would call this a link.

Answer 3

Wouldn't that be a type of Ad-Hoc network even tho its not a wireless Ad-Hoc network this would seem to fall under the same classification

PAN usually refers to short range networks such as bluetooth connectivity with devices such as phones and headsets. WAN usually refers to a connection over the internet or direct link via modem (anything outside your Local network) LAN would refer to several computers linked together via a switch hub or router

Answer 4

Two computers plugged into each other is still a network, even if there is no router or switch, they still communicate as any device on any network would, its just a different organization.
WAN is of course wide area, so it involves linking many networks together over a wide geographical area, where each segment is separate not just by organization, but actual geographical distance (separate buildings, separate states, separate countries).
LAN typically refers to computers networked at a single geographical location, and this is usually a setup for an office or home in which different users will use computers on the network, whether the same machines or different ones.
PAN would be a network that all devices are used only by a single user, which is most commonly a bluetooth link, but is the same as a single person having 3 computers on a home network for which only he/she will ever use.