NodeConnect

  PAN, WAN, MAN, LAN, CAN - what is up with all these rhyming words? As fun it us to relive kindergarten, these are acronyms for the types of networks that exist today. Think of them as digital nesting dolls: PANs can be found in LANs, LANs make up our WANs, and there is more in between. Let's take a closer look at these networking nesting dolls. Personal Area Networks (PANs) Have you ever grown frustrated at how your Bluetooth headphones seem to take forever to pair to your phone? Do you use a wired mouse or a wireless mouse with your desktop? Do you "tap to pay"? These are examples of personal area networks.  A personal area network connects devices close in range, from a few centimeters to a few meters. These types of networks can be wired or wireless.  A wired PAN may be a computer connected to a printer by a USB cable or Ethernet cable.  A wireless PAN may use communication methods, such as Bluetooth, infrared, or radio waves. Think of your wireless Bluetooth ea...

The term "network" has been defined countless times. If there is anything I have learned about something being repeated many times, it means it is important. With networks, that is no different. I defined networking previously and briefly - a collection of devices that receive and transmit data amongst each other. Yet, it truly does not do it justice. I just finished my first co-op iteration at Motorola Solutions. Entering this new opportunity for me was more than just a foot in the door in the field of networking. I got to see critical infrastructure that transmitted and received signals relayed from first responders' and public sector communications. Long story short, I got to see the inner workings of a network, especially how different media and architecture converges to keep communications clear and functioning. Humanizing Networks   The world's networks, big and small, have been compared to:  Extensive highways that carries information across "tolls", ...