1. Network Architecture Types (What to Know/Verify)

These are the foundational network footprints that keep organizations and individuals connected:
LAN (Local Area Network): Connects local devices in a single physical location like an office or home.
WLAN (Wireless LAN): The Wi-Fi network layer extending LAN connectivity without physical cables.
WAN (Wide Area Network): Connects distinct geographical locations across cities, states, or globally (the Internet is the ultimate WAN).
PAN & CAN: Personal Area Networks (Bluetooth) and Campus Area Networks (universities or large corporate parks).

2. Internet Service Connections (The Infrastructure)

If you are evaluating service providers or optimizing a connection checklist, track these dominant delivery methods:
Fiber Internet: Uses fiber-optic cables to deliver the highest speed and symmetrical bandwidth.
Cable Internet: Runs over coaxial TV lines; widely available but shared bandwidth.
5G Home Internet / Fixed Wireless: Connects via local cellular towers instead of physical street lines.
Satellite Internet: Connects via orbiting hardware; essential for remote or rural environments.

3. Weekly Maintenance & Troubleshooting Checklist

If you are managing your home or office network infrastructure for the week, run through these quick health verifications:
Verify Connection Status: Check active ethernet and wireless adapters through your operating system's Network and Internet settings panel to ensure zero packet loss.
Bandwidth Assessment: Ensure your upload and download capabilities are ready to handle the week's high-traffic events, such as concurrent video calls, large downloads, or automated cloud backups.
Device Audit: Access your router's gateway administration page to identify and remove unknown or stale devices from the network.
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* Origin: ANetBBS - A Modern BBS System (1200:1/1)