What is the Difference Between LAN, WAN, and MAN Networks?

What is the Difference Between LAN, WAN, and MAN Networks?

Network systems is a computer technology that enables computers in a local or a wide area to communicate with each other.

This technology is divided into some definitions according to the area it covers and the type of physical connection. These are LAN (Local Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), and WAN (Wide Area Network).

Local Area Network (LAN)

It is a type of private network consisting of a group of computers and network devices within a small geographic area. Often an office is used to describe a network of computers located several buildings away from each other. The criterion here is that the computers are close to each other in general, rather than how many computers the network consists of. Home, office, school, hospital networks can be examples of local area networks.

Twisted (ethernet) or coaxial cables are generally used in local area networks. Since the distance is short, the speed is high and the noise ratio is lower.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

MAN is a type of network that covers more areas than LANs and less than WANs. It is a type of network that connects networks that are usually hosted in the same cities but in different geographic regions. Networks covered by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in a city can be an example of a MAN.

Due to their location in different geographical areas, their speed will be lower than LAN.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

It defines a network created by connecting many LANs to each other via the Internet over a wide geography. Internet service providers perform the task of connecting multiple Local Area Networks. The local area networks mentioned here can be in many different parts of the world. Optical cables or satellites can be used for transmission.

To compare,

WAN covers a much larger area than LAN and MAN. It is more difficult to design and maintain than LAN. Since it can send information to much more distant geographic locations, its speed is slower than LAN and MAN and its error probability is higher.

LAN has exclusive use. It is faster than others and less likely to fail. It is easier to install, maintain, and manage.

MAN sits in the middle of the LAN and the WAN in terms of coverage and speed.

More Podcasts

• The LAN Network in Google Podcast
• The WAN Network in Google Podcast
• The Internet in Google Podcast
• The WAN in iHeart Podcast