Types of Network

Types of Network

1. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

2. WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

3. LAN (Local Area Network)

   • A LAN covers a small area such as one site or building, eg a school or a college.
   • LANs are often connected to WANs, for example a school network could be connected to the internet.
   • Often a LAN is a private network belonging to an organisation or business.
   • Because LANs are geographically small, they usually use cables or low-power radio (wireless) for the connections.
   • High speed (1000 mbps)
   • Because it covers a relatively small geographical area, LAN is easier to maintain at relatively low costs.
   • Tend to use certain connectivity technologies, primarily Ethernet.
   • If there is a need to set-up a couple of extra devices on the network, it is not very expensive to do that.

4. WAN (Wide Area Network)

   • A WAN covers a large geographical area. Most WANs are made from several LANs connected together.
   • The internet is a WAN.
   • A network of bank cash dispensers is a WAN.
   • WANs can be connected together using the internet, leased lines or satellite links.
   • Less speed (150 mbps)