|
| |
 What
is the difference between network LAN, WAN, and MAN
What is the difference
between LAN, WAN, and MAN. I know they sound a bit stupid, but these are the
three different types of networks that you can have. When these connections
become wireless they are renamed WLAN, WWAN, and WMAN.
|
LAN: (local area network) A group of
computers that share a common connection and are usually in a small area
or even in the same building. For
example an office or home network. They are usually
connected by Ethernet cables and have high speed connections. If it was a
wireless setup it would be called a WLAN, which would have a lower connection
speed.
MAN: (metropolitan area network) This is a
larger network that connects computer users in a particular geographic
area or region. For example a large university may have a network so large
that it may be classified as a MAN. The MAN network
usually exist to provide connectivity to local ISPs, cable
tv, or large corporations. It is far larger than a LAN and smaller than
a WAN. Also large cities like London and Sydney, Australia have metropolitan
area networks.
|
|
WAN: (wide area network) This is the
largest network and can interconnect networks throughout the worldand
is not restricted to a geographical location. The Internet is an example of a
worldwide public WAN. Most WANs exist to connect LANs
that are not in the same geographical area. This
technology is high speed and very expensive
to setup.
I hope these definitions helped as I have tried to
explain LAN, WAN, and MAN in non technical terms.
Notes:
-
Wireless LAN is WLAN. At the moment a wired connection is still always high
speed. Even though having a Wireless LAN is less mess with no cables, it
compromises on speed.
-
With
new networks popping up all the time like 3G, GSM, and GPRS, the actual end
user gets to connect directly to a WMAN which was unheard of. Most of these
networks are mobile data standards that previously or still are used on cell
phones.
Browse
Tips4pc Sitemap for
more articles or see more
Networking Tips
How to find
your computer name
Find a
computer on your network
Add Network Printer
Set Network
printer permissions
About the Author
Mitz Pantic wrote this article and others for
http://www.tips4pc.com
Browse Tips4pc.com for more articles that are written in an easy to
understand interface and FREE computer tips.
|
