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Networks play a crucial role in our daily lives. It helps to build social connections with family, coworkers, and friends depending on social networks. One can make social connections through direct communication or online networking. Similar to how social interactions are formed in real life, there exist computer networks. These networks rely on how quickly the internet is delivered. All three of these networks—LAN, MAN, and WAN—are utilised to offer internet services to users. Let’s have a detailed discussion about these.
What is LAN?
To link devices to network computers, web servers, and other LANs through wide area networks, a LAN is made up of cables, access points, switches, routers, & other parts. The growth of virtual LANs, which allow network managers to logically organise network nodes and split their networks without the need for significant infrastructure upgrades, has also been fuelled by the emergence of virtualisation.
Peer-to-peer LAN and client/service LAN are the two types of local area networks. To a single central security database, all of these networks are linked. The fact that LAN includes wired networks and that all of the printers and computers are linked through these wires is interesting to notice. A LAN is utilised as a private network for businesses, institutions of higher learning, etc. Computers in schools are only one of the many LAN instances. With a single shared database, all computers are wired together.
What is MAN?
The computer network connecting the metropolitan regions is known as the Metropolitan Area Network. MAN can be used using wires, cables, or a modem. Since telephone companies provide their customers with high-speed DSL lines, they are a typical example of MAN. The connectivity of various linkages and connections in a metropolitan region is the primary characteristic of MAN.
In MAN, point-to-point connections are utilised. MAN networks may be as large as 5 to 50 km. In MAN, local sources are frequently exchanged. It’s noteworthy that either a company or a network provider owns MAN.
Consequently, the cost of the metropolitan Network is quite low. The internet connection is fairly fast, and the setup is really simple.
What is WAN?
A big information network not connected to a single place is called a wide area network. Through a WAN provider, WANs may enable communication, information exchange, and more among devices worldwide.
Given that the internet is the biggest WAN in the world, WANs can be crucial for global enterprises and daily use. Please continue reading to learn more about WANs, their use, how they differentiate from other networks, and their general goal for individuals and organisations.
Difference Between LAN, MAN And WAN
| Basics | LAN | MAN | WAN |
| Full-Form | Local area network is referred to as LAN. | The Metropolitan Area Network is what MAN stands for. | Wide Area Network is referred to as WAN. |
| Geographical Range | Operates in confined spaces, such as a single building or campus. | MAN operates in large regions, like a city. | WAN operates on a wider scale, such as a continent or country. |
| Ownership | The LAN is privately owned. | One can own MAN privately or publicly. | At the same time, a single company might not control WAN. |
| Speed of Transmission | A LAN transmits data at a fast rate. | At the same time, MAN has an average transmission speed. | A WAN, however, has a slow transmission speed. |
| Transmission delay | In a LAN, the propagation latency is minimal. | In a MAN, there is a little propagation delay. | In contrast, a WAN has a significant propagation latency. |
| Congestion | In the LAN, there is less congestion. | MAN is more congested than elsewhere. | In contrast, WAN is more congested than MAN. |
| Design and Upkeep | Designing and maintaining a LAN is simple. | MAN’s maintenance and design are more challenging than LAN’s. | However, WAN maintenance and design are more challenging than LAN and MAN. |
