It is quite common for the average internet user to be confused and overwhelmed when it comes to understanding different network types. Terms like LAN, WAN, and MAN are thrown around on tech forums and websites but do we really understand what they mean? In this blog post, we will explore the differences between these three commonly used networks in detail so that you can get a better understanding of how each one works.
What is LAN?
LAN, or Local Area Network, is a type of computer network used to link multiple computing devices in a limited geographical area. LANs offer high-speed bandwidth that’s secure and much faster than other connection types such as WAN (Wide Area Network) networks.
- LAN networks allow users to share resources such as printers, files, and applications by connecting to the LAN network with computers within the same LAN.
- By allowing access to everyone on the LAN network without requiring internet access, a LAN offers a great solution when you don’t want your data accessible from outside sources.
- Additionally, LAN networks are very reliable and secure since they use firewalls and passwords to protect against unauthorized access.
What is WAN?
WAN (Wide Area Network) is a type of telecommunications network that spans a large geographic area such as an entire country or continent. WANs are used to share data between multiple locations, including both private networks and public networks such as the internet.
- WANs typically rely on communication technologies such as satellite communications, circuit switching, ATM, DSL, TDM, WDM, and other technologies connected together in a network.
- WANs are often used by companies and organizations with operations across different cities or countries to provide quick access to remote users who need to be linked into their systems.
- WANs can offer increased speed and reliability compared to a traditional local area network (LAN), allowing information to be shared quickly and securely among multiple users in different locations.
What is MAN?
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a computer network that spans a large geographic area, usually covering an entire metropolitan area or campus.
- MANs are built using a variety of technologies and media, typically utilizing high-capacity connections such as leased lines and Fibre-optic cables to connect endpoints.
- MANs are typically used for larger corporate networks and may also be implemented by universities and research centers to provide access to the Internet from many remote locations.
- MANs also allow telecommunications companies to offer services such as IPTV, VoIP telephony, streaming video, and other services. MANs must use switches and routers for packet switching and data delivery; these devices ensure reliable communication across the MAN architecture.
Difference Between LAN, WAN, and MAN
LAN, WAN, and MAN are different types of computer networks.
- LAN, or Local Area Network, is a smaller network that is limited to a single location such as an office or home.
- It allows devices within the LAN to share their resources with each other and can have interconnections between multiple LANs. WAN, or Wide Area Network, is larger and covers larger geographical areas.
- It is typically created by connecting LANs together using telecommunications techniques such as fiber optics cables.
- Finally, MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) is a network that brings LANs and WAN together in a metropolitan region such as a city or county.
It provides higher speeds than typical LANs and is used for applications such as video-on-demand and interactive gaming. Each of these networks has its own unique uses and features that make them advantageous in the appropriate environment.
Conclusion
A WAN is a wide area network that covers a large geographical area. And finally, a MAN is a metropolitan area network that connects devices within an urban or suburban setting. Each of these networking types has its own unique benefits and applications depending on your needs. For example, if you need to connect multiple offices together for file sharing or remote access, then you would use a WAN. But if you only need to connect devices within one building or campus, then a LAN would be more suitable.
