Evolution of new varieties of networks

Already we have: WANs (Wide Area), MANs (Metropolitan Area), LANs (Local Area Networks)

VANs Vehicle Area Networks

Very local networks

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DANs Desk Area Networks

The computer/printer/telephone/... will all be part of a very local area network on your desk.

• wireless links ==> No longer will you have to plug your printer into your computer (PDA/...) into your computer
• active badges ==> No longer will you have to sign in/out of areas, write down peoples names at meetings, ... the system can provide this data based on the active badges

Olivetti and Xerox are exploring "Teleporting" your windows environment to the workstation nearest you, on command, if there are multiple choices probe each one (currently a "beep" is emitted to tell the user which).

BANs Body Area Networks

Users will be carrying multiple devices which wish to communicate:

• thus there will be a need for a network between these devices which you carry around; and
• personal devices will wish to interact with fixed devices (such as Bankomat machines, vehicle control systems, diagnostic consoles (for a "mechanic" or repairman), ...) and other peripherals.