ASSIGNMENT

On
What is network? What is the difference
between LAN, MAN, WAN?
Course code: CSE-111(A)
Course title: Computer Fundamentals
Submitted Date: 27th April, 2009.

Submitted by:
Muhammad Riyaz- ul- Islam
ID: 06313241
Program: B.S.T.E
Batch: 4th
Semester: Spring-2009

Submitted To:
Ayesha Jahan
Lecturer
Faculty of
Business Administration,
CITY UNIVERSITY.
Introduction: A computer network is a group of interconnected computers.
Networks may be classified according to a wide variety of characteristics. This
article provides a general overview of some types and categories and also presents
the basic components of a network.
A network is a collection of computers and devices connected to each other. The
network allows computers to communicate with each other and share resources and
information.

Types: Based on their scale, there are three types of networks, they are:
• Local Area Network (LAN)
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
• Wide Area Network (WAN)

Local Area Network (LAN):

A local area network (LAN) is a computer network covering a small physical area,
like a home, office, or small group of buildings, such as a school, or an airport. The
defining characteristics of LANs, in contrast to wide-area networks (WANs),
include their usually higher data-transfer rates, smaller geographic range, and lack
of a need for leased telecommunication lines.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):

A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a large computer network that spans a
metropolitan area or campus. Its geographic scope falls between a WAN and LAN.
MANs provide Internet connectivity for LANs in a metropolitan region, and
connect them to wider area networks like the Internet.

Wide Area Network (WAN):

Wide Area Network (WAN) is a computer network that covers a broad area (i.e.,
any network whose communications links cross metropolitan, regional, or national
boundaries). Contrast with personal area networks (PANs), local area networks
(LANs), campus area networks (CANs), or metropolitan area networks (MANs)
which are usually limited to a room, building, campus or specific metropolitan area
networks (MANs) which are usually limited to a room, building, campus or
specific metropolitan area (e.g., a city) respectively. The largest and most well
known example of a WAN is the Internet.
The difference between LAN, MAN & WAN are given below;

LAN MAN WAN

1. A LAN is a group of 1. A MAN is a larger 1. A WAN in comparison
computers and network network that usually spans to a MAN, is not restricted
devices connected several buildings in the same to a geographical location,
together, usually within city or town. although it might be
the same building. confined within the bounds
of a state or country.
2. The Lan 2. The MAN connection 2. The WAN technology is
connections must be similar to LAN technologies. high speed and relatively
high speed and expensive.
relatively inexpensive.
3.All networks need 3.MANs use technologies 3.Traditionaly, WANs have
some system for similar to LAN technologies. been implemented using
interconnection. In circuit switching and packet
some LANs , the nodes switching technologies.
are connected by a
shared network cable.
4.LANs are useally 4.They offer a simple and fast 4.WANs may provided by
owned and managed by way to link different sites of telephone and telegraph
a single organization. an organization for exchange organization , they may be
of information. private to a single
organization or they may be
operated by a group of
organization
5. LAN technologies 5. Routers, switches and hubs 5. WAN technologies
provide a way to create are connected to create a generally function at the
a wired LAN using metropolitan area network. lower three layers of the
existing home wire OSI reference model: the
(coaxial cables, phone physical layer, the data link
lines and power lines). layer, and the network layer.