Computer Network is the interconnection of multiple devices. Mainly there are three types of computer networks: LAN(Local Area Network), WAN(Wide Area Network) and MAN(Metropolitan Area Network). LAN is used to connect devices in a small area like a building, office, etc. MAN covers the devices connected within a town or a city. WAN covers a large geographical area such as a continent or a country.
System Area Network, Home Area Network, and Campus Area Network are some other network types. Computer Network is the interconnection between multiple devices. Computer Network allows to send and receive data and information between different connected devices. Different devices in a network are connected through links. Refer to the below image to visualize the computer network Types of Computer NetworksBased on the size of the network, ownership and distance covered by the network, there are three types of computer networks
Refer to the below image to show the types of computer networks LAN (Local Area Network)A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of connected devices which are in a limited area such as a school, office, building, or home. It is a network mostly used for sharing hardware resources such as printers, files, scanners, etc. If we talk about the simplest LAN network then we will consider a computer and a printer connected in a home as the simplest network. The data transmission speed of LAN is up to 10 Mbps. Refer to the below image to show LAN There are two types of LAN: Wired LAN– In this type of LAN, wired cables such as twisted pair or coaxial cables are used for the connection and transmission of data. Wireless LAN– In this type of LAN, devices are connected by wireless cables such as radio, and light waves. Refer to the below image to show the types of LAN Characteristics
Advantages
Disadvantages
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)A Metropolitan Area Network or MAN is a network connecting devices across an entire town, entire city or any other small region. This is a network larger than LAN but smaller than the WAN. WAN stands for Wide Area Network which is used connect devices geographically such as across the country or continent. MAN network works in between LAN and WAN. MAN can be used to connect multiple LAN networks. When one LAN use modems, direct digit devices and any other media types to connect with other LAN, then it covers a large area which is considered a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). Refer to the below image to show the MAN Characteristics
Advantages
Disadvantages
WAN (Wide Area Network)WAN stands for Wide Area Network is a type of computer network which can cover a large geographical area such as a continent, or a country. The size of the WAN network is larger than the LAN and MAN network. When the size of the network grows more than the MAN then it is considered a WAN. Usually, telecommunication networks are considered a Wide Area Network. WAN Network could be an interconnection between two or more LANs which are connected through telephone lines or radio waves. Refer to the below image to show the WAN Characteristics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Other Types of Computer Networks
1) WLAN WLAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network. WLAN allows to connect single or multiple devices in a limited area like schools, home, offices, etc. using the wireless connection. It allows for the transmission of data among the connected devices within the local coverage area. WLAN can be private or public according to the requirement of the user. 2) Storage-Area Network (SAN) A Storage Area Network is a type of network which allows consolidated, block-level data storage. It is mainly used to make storage devices, like disk arrays, optical jukeboxes, and tape libraries. 3) System-Area Network System Area Network is a network which is used for the local network. It provides a high-speed connection facility in processor-to-processor and server-to-server applications. 4) Passive Optical Local Area Network Passive Optical Local Area Network (POLAN) is considered an alternative to the traditional switch-based ethernet. And this network helps the user to integrate into structured cabling. It is a network designed for overcoming the concerns related to supporting Ethernet protocols and network applications. 5) Home Area Network (HAN): Home Area Network (HAN) is used to establish the connection between two or more computers within a home. It allows the building of a Local Area Network within the home. HAN allows sharing of printers, files, programs, etc. within the home. This network is useful when there is more than one computer in a home. 6) Enterprise Private Network: Enterprise private network (EPN) are the networks that are owned and built by businesses that wish to share different computer resources by securely connecting different locations. 7) Campus Area Network (CAN): A Campus Area Network is a network which is established by the interconnecting LAN of a specific geographical area. For example, there is a university campus which is linked with other campus buildings. So in this type of situation CAN is used to connect all academic departments. 8) Virtual Private Network: A Virtual Private Network abbreviated as VPN is a private network that allows connecting remote sites and users by using the public network.VPN provides us with an option to create a protected network connection using public networks. Difference between LAN vs MAN vs WANNow let us understand the difference between different types of computer networks
Conclusion
Is a network that covers a large geographical area like a city?A Wide Area Network (WAN) refers to a network that covers a very large geographical area such as a state, continent, or even the globe.
What networks covers a large geographical area?A network which covers a larger geographical area, like a city or a university campus that has several sites, is known as a Wide Area Network (WAN).
What is LAN MAN and WAN?LAN is an acronym for Local Area Network. MAN is an acronym for Metropolitan Area Network. WAN is an acronym for Wide Area Network. Definition and Meaning. LAN is a network that usually connects a small group of computers in a given geographical area.
Which network covers the area of a city?A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that connects computers within a metropolitan area, which could be a single large city, multiple cities and towns, or any given large area with multiple buildings. A MAN is larger than a local area network (LAN) but smaller than a wide area network (WAN).
|