Computer Network LAN, MAN, WAN

 

What is a Computer Network?

When two or more autonomous computing devices connected to one another in order to exchange information or share resources, form a Computer Network. 

Components of Computer Network -:

1. Maj                
2. Network-Hardware
3. Communication Chanel
4. Software
5. Network Services
6. Host
7. Servers
8. Client

Types of Computer Network -:

A computer network can be categorized by its size:

• PAN (Personal Area Network)
• LAN (Local Area Network)
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
• WAN (Wide Area Network)

PAN (Personal Area Network) -:

Personal Area Network is a network arranged within an individual person, typically within a range of 10 meters (30 feet).

Types of Personal Area Network (PAN) :

• Wireless PAN – Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) is connected through signals such as infrared, ZigBee, Bluetooth and ultra-wideband, etc.
• Wired PAN – Wired PAN is connected through cables/wires such as Firewire or USB (Universal Serial Bus).

LAN  (Local Area Network)-:

• Local Area Network is a group of computers connected to each other in a small area such as a building, office.
• It covers an area of a few kilometer radius (approx. 1-10 km).
• It is managed by a single person / Organization. 

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)-:

• A metropolitan area network is a network that covers a larger geographic area by interconnecting a different LAN to form a larger network e.g. within a city.
• Covers an area of few kilometers to a few hundred kilometers.
• Owned by Organization or Government.
• The network of schools, banks, government offices within a city are examples of MAN.

WAN (Wide Area Network)-:

• A Wide Area Network is a network that extends over a large geographical area or countries.
• Covers over hundreds of kilometer radius.
• It is usually formed by interconnecting LANs, MANs, or maybe other WANs.
• Network of ATMs, BANKs, National or International organization offices spread a country, the continent is examples of WAN.
• The internet is one of the biggest WAN in the world.

Computer Network-:

Advantages-

• Resource Sharing
•  Cost Reduction
•  Collaborative User Interaction
•  Share Storage
•  Fast Communication

Disadvantage-

• Security Concerns
•  Lack of Robustness
•  Needs an Efficient Handler
•  Lack of Independence
•  It requires an expensive set-up.