A network is a system that connects multiple devices, such as computers, servers, smartphones, and printers, allowing them to communicate and share resources, data, and services.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!A network is mainly of four types:
- LAN(Local Area Network)
- PAN(Personal Area Network)
- MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)
- WAN(Wide Area Network)
1.) Local Area Network (LAN)
A LAN is a network that connects computers and devices within a small geographic area, such as an office building, school, or home.
- It’s typically limited to a single building or campus.
Characteristics:
- Limited geographical area (usually up to a few kilometers).
- High data transfer speeds due to limited range (often 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps).
- Low latency and high reliability.
- Usually privately owned and operated.
- Commonly uses Ethernet or Wi-Fi technology.
- Easier to set up, secure, and maintain than larger networks.
2.) Personal Area Network (PAN)
A PAN is a small network used for personal devices, typically within a range of a few meters, such as around an individual’s workspace.
Characteristics:
- Very limited range (often up to 10 meters).
- Often uses wireless technology like Bluetooth or USB connections.
- Designed to connect personal devices, such as smartphones, laptops, headphones, and smartwatches.
- Easy to set up and secure; usually managed by a single person.
- Low power requirements, making it suitable for mobile devices.
3.) Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A MAN is a network that covers a larger geographical area than a LAN, covering a city or large campus.
- It connects multiple LANs within a metropolitan area.
- It is used in communication between the banks in a city.
- It can be used in an Airline Reservation.
- It can be used in a college within a city.
- It can also be used for communication in the military.
Characteristics:
- Covers a city or a large campus (up to 50 km).
- Often uses high-speed fiber-optic cables for fast data transmission.
- Can be owned by a government, organization, or ISP.
- Provides high-speed connectivity across multiple locations within a city.
- More complex setup and maintenance than LANs due to a larger area.
4.) Wide Area Network (WAN)
A WAN is a network that covers a very large geographical area, such as a country or even globally, connecting multiple LANs, MANs, or other WANs.
Characteristics:
- Covers broad areas, from cities to countries and continents.
- Uses various transmission technologies, including satellite, fiber-optic, and microwave links.
- Operated by large organizations, governments, or ISPs.
- Slower data transfer speeds compared to LANs and MANs due to distance.
- Requires complex infrastructure and maintenance.
- Example: The Internet, the largest WAN, connects networks worldwide.