Types of Networks
Computer
networks can be categories by their size as well as their purpose. The size of
a network can be expressed by the geographic area. Some of the different
networks based on size are:
LAN -
Local Area Network
MAN - Metropolitan
Area Network
WAN -
Wide Area Network
LAN (Local Area Network)
 |
| Figure: Local Area Network (LAN) |
A local
area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers within a
limited area. Example: school, laboratory, university campus or office
building.
LAN is
widely used for shared medium peer-to-peer communications. Using LAN not only
computer but access printer, plotter, database server etc. Range of LAN is
single building or campus of up to few km in range. The range of LAN is maximum
5 Kms. Speed of LAN 10/100/1000 Mbps. The LAN is used as private network.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
 |
| Figure: Metropolitan Area Network |
A
metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that interconnects with
computer in a metropolitan area like city. MAN is a larger than LAN but smaller
than the area covered by a WAN. It is also used to interconnection of several
local area network. Range of MAN is 10 km to 100 km. Speed of MAN is 100 Mbps. MANs
are based on optical-fibre transmission technology an provide high speed
interconnection between sites. It can support both data and voice. IEEE
standard of MAN is 802.6.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
 |
| Figure: Wide Area Network (WAN) |
A wide
area network (WAN) is a computer network that exists over a large-scale
geographical area. A WAN connects different networks, including local area
networks (LAN) and metropolitan area networks (MAN). It may be located within a
state or a country or it may be interconnected around the world. Range of WAN
is beyond 100 km. Speed of WAN is 10 Mbps.
Summary of LAN – MAN – WAN
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| Figure: Summary of LAN MAN WAN |
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