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LAN, MAN, WAN, Wireless Networking

The document outlines four types of networks: Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and Wireless Networking, detailing their definitions, geographic ranges, ownership, speeds, examples, and key technologies. LANs connect devices in small areas, MANs cover city-wide connections, WANs span large geographic areas, and Wireless Networking uses radio waves for connectivity. Key differences highlight the focus of each network type on scale, speed, and infrastructure ownership.

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Prachi Goel
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14 views2 pages

LAN, MAN, WAN, Wireless Networking

The document outlines four types of networks: Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and Wireless Networking, detailing their definitions, geographic ranges, ownership, speeds, examples, and key technologies. LANs connect devices in small areas, MANs cover city-wide connections, WANs span large geographic areas, and Wireless Networking uses radio waves for connectivity. Key differences highlight the focus of each network type on scale, speed, and infrastructure ownership.

Uploaded by

Prachi Goel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

Local Area Network (LAN)

• Definition: A LAN is a network that connects computers and devices within a small
geographic area, such as an office, home, or school.

• Geographic Range: Small (typically within a building or campus).

• Ownership: Privately owned.

• Speed: High-speed connections (up to 1 Gbps or more).

• Example: The network in a school or an office where computers are connected to share
printers, files, or internet access.

• Key Technology: Ethernet, Wi-Fi.

2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

• Definition: A MAN connects multiple LANs within a city or metropolitan area. It is larger than a
LAN but smaller than a WAN.

• Geographic Range: City-wide (a few kilometers to tens of kilometers).

• Ownership: Can be private or public.

• Speed: Moderate to high-speed connections.

• Example: A city's public Wi-Fi network or a university campus network connecting multiple
buildings.

• Key Technology: Fiber-optic cables, Ethernet.

3. Wide Area Network (WAN)

• Definition: A WAN connects multiple LANs or MANs over a vast geographic area, such as a
country or even globally.

• Geographic Range: Extremely large (cross-country or global).

• Ownership: Typically managed by multiple organizations or Internet Service Providers (ISPs). •

Speed: Varies based on the type of connection (DSL, satellite, fiber-optic). • Example: The

internet is the largest example of a WAN.

• Key Technology: Routers, satellites, undersea cables.

4. Wireless Networking

• Definition: Wireless networking uses radio waves or infrared signals to connect devices
without physical cables.
• Geographic Range: Varies based on the type (e.g., Wi-Fi covers a small area, cellular
networks cover large areas).

• Ownership: Can be private or public.

• Speed: Speeds vary significantly (e.g., Wi-Fi can reach up to several Gbps, while 4G/5G varies
based on network strength).

• Example: Home Wi-Fi, mobile networks (4G, 5G), Bluetooth.

• Key Technology: Wi-Fi, cellular towers, Bluetooth, satellites.

Comparison Table
Feature LAN MAN WAN Wireless
Networking
Geographic Small (office, Medium (city, Large (country,
Scope building) campus) global) Varies (from local
to global)
Private Private or ISPs/Multiple
Ownership
public organizations Private or public

High (up to Moderate to Varies


Speed
1+ Gbps) high Varies
Example Office network City’s publi
In Wi-Fi, 4G/5G

Key Differences

1. LAN focuses on small, localized areas with the highest speed and control.

2. MAN extends the range of a LAN to a metropolitan scale.

3. WAN connects distant locations, often using third-party infrastructure.

4. Wireless Networking eliminates physical cables and can apply to LANs, MANs, and WANs,
depending on the technology.

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