Monty's Pentesting Notes | Obsidian

    Network Types

    Summary: Network Types and Topologies

    Common Terminology

    1. WAN (Wide Area Network):

      • Represents a large network like the Internet or interconnected LANs.
      • Uses WAN-specific protocols like BGP and typically involves non-RFC 1918 IP addresses.

    2. LAN (Local Area Network) / WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network):

      • Localized networks with IP ranges (e.g., 10.0.0.0/8).
      • WLANs provide wireless communication; otherwise, they're functionally similar to LANs.

    3. VPN (Virtual Private Network):

      • Creates secure connections between networks or devices, simulating LAN behavior.
      • Types:
        • Site-to-Site VPN: Connects entire network ranges across locations.
        • Remote Access VPN: Allows a single device to access a remote network (e.g., OpenVPN for Hack The Box labs).
        • SSL VPN: Operates within web browsers, often used for streaming apps/desktops (e.g., Hack The Box Pwnbox).

    Book Terminology

    1. GAN (Global Area Network):

      • Worldwide networks like the Internet or international corporate WANs connected via undersea cables or satellites.

    2. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network):

      • Regional networks connecting multiple LANs (e.g., company branches) with high-speed infrastructure like fiber optics.

    3. PAN (Personal Area Network) / WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network):

      • Ad hoc connections for devices within a few meters using technologies like Bluetooth.
      • Used for IoT applications with protocols like ZigBee and Z-Wave.

    Key Notes:

    • Networks are classified by geographical range and functionality.
    • Practical terms (WAN, LAN, VPN) are most relevant, while book terms (GAN, MAN, WPAN) offer theoretical distinctions.
    • Baseline network understanding is essential for secure operations and IoT communications.