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Types of Computer Networks

Computer networks are categorized into LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) based on organization, usage, and distance. LAN connects computers in small areas with high data transmission speeds, while WAN connects larger geographic areas but at lower speeds. MAN serves as a bridge between LANs in a city, offering higher speeds than LAN but at a higher cost and complexity.

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29 views10 pages

Types of Computer Networks

Computer networks are categorized into LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) based on organization, usage, and distance. LAN connects computers in small areas with high data transmission speeds, while WAN connects larger geographic areas but at lower speeds. MAN serves as a bridge between LANs in a city, offering higher speeds than LAN but at a higher cost and complexity.

Uploaded by

mahletmahi492
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Types of Computer Networks

Computer networks are categorized according to:

 How they are organized physically?

 The way they are used.

 The distance over which they operate.

Three main types of computer networks are as follows:

 LAN (Local Area Network)

 WAN (Wide Area Network)

 MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)


LAN (Local Area Network)

Local Area Network is the popular computer network technology type which
connects computer systems within a small area. These small areas include a
single office, a building with several floors or home. LAN network is the best
network type that can be built in these areas.
LANs are capable of transmitting data at very fast rate. LAN transmission
speed is typically 10Mbps to 1000Mbps. LAN can transmit data in limited
distance and there is also limited number of computers that can be attached
to the network.

Advantages

Some important advantages of LAN are as follows:

 Resource Sharing

 Communication

 Application Sharing

 Centralized IT Admin

 Centralized Data

 Internet Access Sharing

 Data Security

 Data Management

Disadvantages

Some Important disadvantages of LAN are as follows:

 Privacy Threat

 Expensive to Install

 Admin Time Required

 Data Security Concerns


WAN (Wide Area Network)

A wide area network is a network that connects large geographic area. WAN
is a group of Local area networks. Local area networks found in different
regions can be connected through fiber optics, satellite or leased phone lines.
Internet is the largest network in the world. It is a collection of several
interconnected networks that shares information freely.
WAN can reach the parts of the world that is not possible with LANs. WAN is
not as fast as LAN. The transmission speed of WAN is typically 56Kbps to
50Mbps.

Advantages

Some important advantages of WAN are as follows:

 Communication

 Remote Data Entry

 Centralized Data

 Entertainment

Disadvantages

Some Important disadvantages of LAN are as follows:

 Hardware and Software Setup Cost

 Hardware and Software Management Cost

 Data Security Concerns

 Failure of Server

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

Metropolitan network is the other type of computer network that covers a


campus or city. Governmental offices, universities and colleges have utilized
this type of network.
Man is larger than LAN but smaller than WAN. It is usually used to connect
two or more LANs in a city or town e.g. different branches of a company in a
city.

Advantages

 MAN covers large area than LAN

 It provides higher data speed than LAN

Disadvantages

 It is more expensive than LAN

 It is difficult to maintain as compared to LAN

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