Types of computer networks: LAN, WAN, MAN
Introduction: - Network is used to share data between two or more computers or devices. Computer network is divided into many parts based on its geographical and use. Which includes Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) and Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). Let us know about them in detail.
Local Area Network (LAN): -
This is a network which is used in small areas like office, school or home. This network is used to connect printers and other devices.
[Computer A]---|
|
[Computer B]---|----[Switch/Router]----[Printer]
|
[Computer C]---|
Features of LAN network: -
Geographical scope: Limited area, such as home or office
Data transfer rate: High data transfer rate, speed from 10Mbps to 10Gbps
Media: Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi, fiber optics
Example: Home network, office network, school network.
Advantages of LAN network:-
1. Speed: High speed data transfer takes place.
2. Security: Security is high and easy in small areas.
3. Resource sharing: It becomes easy to use printer, file and internet connection.
Disadvantages of LAN network:-
1. Limited area: This network is used for small areas.
2. Scalability: Cannot be used for any large area.
Examples of LAN network:-
To connect employees in a small office.
To access internet in a home.
Wide Area Network (WAN):-
Wide area network is used to cover a large area like city, country and continent. Many LAN networks are also connected in it.
[City A MAN]----|
|
[City B MAN]----|----[WAN Backbone]----[City C MAN]
|
[City D MAN]----|
Features of WAN network:-
Geographical scope: Used for a large area.
Data transfer rate: This network usually gives speeds ranging from 56Kbps to 100Gbps, which is less than LAN network.
Media: Fiber optic, satellite link, microwave link.
Example: Internet.
Advantages of WAN network:-
1. Coverage: Connects devices in a large area.
2. Scalability: Using this network makes it easy to connect more users.
Disadvantages of WAN network:-
1. Cost: Considering the requirement of this network, it costs a lot.
2. Speed: This network usually has slower data transfer than LAN network.
Examples of WAN network:-
Multinational companies use this network to connect their offices.
WAN network is used by the company providing internet to let customers access the internet.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):-
MAN i.e. Metropolitan Area Network is a network which is used to cover a large area like city or town area. It is also used to connect multiple LANs.
[LAN Office A]----|
|
[LAN Office B]----|----[MAN Network Infrastructure]----[LAN Office C]
|
[LAN Office D]----|
Features of MAN network:-
Geographical range: Used in a large area like a city or a large campus.
Data transfer rate: The data transfer speed in this is medium to high. In which the speed ranges from 10Mbps to 1Gbps.
Media: Fiber optics, wireless (WiMAX), Ethernet.
Example: WIFI networks used in cities, college campus networks.
Advantages of MAN network:-
1. Coverage: In MAN network, connection can be made in a larger area than LANs.
2. Speed: MAN network has higher data transfer speed than WANs.
Disadvantages of MAN network:-
1. Cost: Using this network costs more to establish and maintain than LAN network.
2. Secure: It becomes difficult to keep a large area secure, due to which it is less secure than other networks.
Examples of MAN network:-
MAN network is used for WIFI network in cities.
It is used in a college or a large campus.
Conclusion:-
Every type of network - LAN, WAN and MAN has a special purpose. And these networks have their own disadvantages and advantages. The area of LAN network is less but it gives more data transfer speed. Whereas WAN network maintains connectivity in a larger area but it is able to transfer data at a lower speed. In this way MAN network works to maintain a balance between LAN and WAN networks.
