Types of network
Based on the size, physical and geographical division, a computer network can be categorized into three types. They are:
- Local Area Network (LAN)
- Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
- Wide Area Network (WAN)
Local Area Network (LAN)
It is a small computer network that is confined to a localized area, such as a building, an office, or a factory. LANs are found in most business enterprises, government offices, and educational institutions. The key purpose of a LAN is to serve its users in sharing data, information, programs, printer, hard disk, modem, etc. In this network, computers are mostly connected with a physical medium such as a twisted pair cable or coaxial cable.
The way of connecting two or more computers in a very limited area or within the same or adjacent building is called Local Area Network (LAN). It enables very high-speed communication through a wired connection or even a wireless connection. LAN is generally used by small organizations. It is less Server Compatible expensive to install and use. Computer lab networking and cyber networking are examples of LAN. The main features of Local Area Network (LAN) are
- It covers a small geographical area such as a room or building.
- The communication quality is better and the data transfer rate is high.
- It supports Ethernet cables (thin cable, thick cable, and twisted pair cable), fiber, and wireless transmission in the communication transmission medium.
- Computers and devices are mostly connected by using wired media.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A MAN is a network that is larger than a LAN. It is called metropolitan since it normally covers the area of a city. Different hardware such as a router, bridge, etc., and transmission media such as physical as well as wireless are often used in MANS to cover larger distances efficiently. Usually, such networks are installed by governmental organizations, banks, or local big organizations to computerize their activities or business.
The way of connecting computers inside a metropolitan area or area such as a city is called Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). In MAN computers and devices are connected through wired or wireless technology or media. The radio wave is used to transmit the data for communication between the workstation and server in the system. It has high bandwidth capacity than WAN and low bandwidth than LAN.
The main features of the Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) are In MAN computers are connected by using wired or wireless media.
- It is owned by single or multiple organizations.
- It facilitates sharing of regional resources or data.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
A wide area network is a group of computers that are separated by large distances and tied together by communication facilities. It provides a fast and efficient exchange of information at a lesser cost and higher speeds. In this network, usually, the computers are linked utilizing a radio or microwave through a satellite.
It provides uplinks for connecting LANs to WAN or Internet. The connection of computers of networks covering a large area of the world with the help of wireless technology as a wave, frequency, and satellite is called Wide Area Network (WAN). The different types of LAN and MAN are connected to form a WAN. It is the largest computer network but the data transfer rate is slower than LAN and MAN. 4G or 5G Mobile Broadband Systems, satellite communication, Internet, etc. are examples of WAN. The main features of Wide Area Network (WAN) are. It cannot be restricted to any geographical location and uses wireless technology. It is owned by multiple organizations. Communication links are provided by public carriers like telephone or mobile networks, satellites, cable systems, etc. It has low bandwidth and high propagation delay.
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