Networks based on Geography
Last updated
Last updated
The Network allows computers to connect and communicate with different computers via any medium.
LAN, MAN, and WAN are the three major types of networks designed to operate over the area they cover. There are some similarities and dissimilarities between them.
There are other types of Computer Networks also, like :
LAN (Personal Area Network)
WAN (Storage Area Network)
MAN (Enterprise Private Network)
LAN or Local Area Network connects network devices in such a way that personal computers and workstations can share data, tools, and programs.
The group of computers and devices are connected together by a switch, or stack of switches, using a private addressing scheme as defined by the TCP/IP protocol.
Routers are found at the boundary of a LAN, connecting them to the larger WAN.
Data transmits at a very fast rate as the number of computers linked is limited.
By definition, the connections must be high-speed and relatively inexpensive hardware (Such as hubs, network adapters, and Ethernet cables).
LANs cover a smaller geographical area (Size is limited to a few kilometres) and are privately owned.
A Communication medium used for LAN has twisted-pair cables and coaxial cables.
Early LANs had data rates in the 4 to 16 Mbps range. Today, speeds are normally 100 or 1000 Mbps. Propagation delay is very short in a LAN.
MAN or Metropolitan area Network covers a larger area than that covered by a LAN and a smaller area as compared to WAN.
It connects two or more computers that are apart but reside in the same or different cities.
It covers a large geographical area and may serve as an ISP (Internet Service Provider).
Devices used for transmission of data through MAN are Modem and Wire/Cable.
Examples of a MAN are part of the telephone company network that can provide a high-speed DSL line to the customer or the cable TV network in a city.
WAN or Wide Area Network is a computer network that extends over a large geographical area, although it might be confined within the bounds of a state or country.
A WAN could be a connection of LAN connecting to other LANs via telephone lines and radio waves and may be limited to an enterprise (a corporation or an organization) or accessible to the public.
The technology is high-speed and relatively expensive.\
There are two types of WAN
Switched WAN
Point-to-Point WAN
Devices used for the transmission of data through WAN are Optic wires, Microwaves, and Satellites.
