What is LAN MAN WAN network? Types of Network: LAN, MAN, WAN  and Difference between LAN, MAN and WAN  

LAN

WAN

MAN

 

LAN (Local Area Network)

LAN is a network of interconnected computers and peripherals within a single building or campus. LAN are generally privately owned and spread across a small area of a few kilometers. Traditional LANs, S run at present speed of 10 to 100 Mbps have a low delay and make very few errors. Newer LANs, S may operate at higher speeds up to hundreds of megabits.

Many machines are connected to one machine known as a server in LAN or local area networks. The server is administrated by an administrator. The machine connected to the server or dummy machines in the local area network is known as clients. ALAN many use different topologies such as Bus topology, Ring topology, star topology & tree topology.

 

Components of LAN

 

When a PC is networked, it can access the pooled resources of the network, and its capabilities increase manifold. A network encompasses the whole gamut of hardware and software components that make a computer network operative.

Some typical hardware components of LAN are:

(i) Workstations

(i) Server

(iii) Network Interface unit

(iv) Communication channel

 

Components of LAN

(i) Workstations:

The term"workstations" refers to computers that are connected to a LAN that share with the network. In a LAN, there may be computers that don't have hard disks or floppy disk drives. They are known as "diskless workstations." They are unable to store information or software. They can access them directly from an LAN server. No matter if it has an internal disk drive or not. A computer can be considered to be an "node" of the LAN when you connect it to the network.

(ii) Servers:

Servers are device that hosts data as well as software and hardware resources (like printers) which are shared across the network. A LAN could contain multiple servers. Each server is assigned a unique name that is registered on the network and every LAN users are able to identify the server by its name.

DEDICATED SERVER:

An individual workstation can be described as a type of server that serves only as a storage space for software and data. It also allows the access of hardware resource.

NON-DEDICATED SERVER:

In all LANs the server is an additional workstation. So, the user is working on a computer and utilizes it as a workstation and a part of the computer is also used as an server. A server like this is referred to as an undedicated server (since it's not dedicated for serving).

(a) File Server:

A file server stores the files that LAN stations are able to access. It also determines the rights and restrictions users have to be granted in order to access files on their hard drives. The file server controls the amount of space available for each user.

(b) Printer Server:

Printer servers take charge of printing requirements of a variety of workstations. The printer server generally saves the lines that are to print on their disk. It is then able to execute the requests (i.e. print the files) in a first-in, first-out.

(c) Modem Server:

A modem server permits LAN users to utilize the modem to send long distance messages.

(iii) Network Interface Unit (NIU):

NIU is a device that is attached to every station and to the server. It aids the workstations and the server. It assists the workstation in connect to the network. Every NIU connected to a computer has an unique number that it as the "Node" address. Therefore, the address of the node on a workstation refers to it is the name of the NIU connected on the working station.

(iv) Communication Channel:

In the case of LAN the word "communication" channel refers to connecting cables. Connecting cables are the vitality of LAN. A line that is snapped will be any area of the LAN or at the very least, a portion of the LAN will be unusable.

One of the communication channels include:

(a) Twisted-pair cables:

The twisted-pair cable is the oldest and cheapest type of LAN cable. They consist of two copper wires that are insulated and connected by twists. E.g., Telephone wires.

(b) Coaxial cables:

A coaxial cable is comprised of a number of cables wrapped in a protective case. They are more expensive than twisted-pair cable, however they work better.

(c) Fibre-optic cables:

Fiber-optic cables are composed of glass or plastic they are about as thick as hair. These cables are very robust and provide exceptional performance. The speed at which they transmit data is extremely fast. But, they're costly and aren't commonly utilized to LAN installations.

BENEFITS

The LANs are not an isolated network of computers but also the network of individuals. Offices are made up of various departments and workers within an company.

(1) Resource Sharing:

Utilizing a LAN, costly devices like printers, lasers and modems, as well as graphic devices and data storage devices are shared.

(2) Communication:

Another benefit of an internet connection is that it will assist in making the computer work as an intercom for offices. The computer can be used to flash messages onto the screens of other computers within the office. This will limit employees' mobility between departments and save time.

(3) Security

The computer is able to store an impressive amount of data but it's not the most secure way to keep data. With a LAN, users can save their data on a computer that is part of an network. The LAN is equipped with security features, so it will be nearly impossible for anyone to gain access to these documents.

(4) Expanded computer usage

A LAN is extremely flexible. It is a good idea to consider that employees could be transferred between departments or machines could be relocated to other locations. Machines can be added or removed. A LAN makes sure that regardless of these changes, a user is not subject to any discomfort and still benefits from the network.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

MAN is connected to specific cities that connects the machine to the specific region. Man supports voice and data transmission. It functions as an ring-star network to show the city's resources, for example TV cable networks within cities.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

Wide area networks cover an enormous area. One illustration that falls under WAN can be the internet, as well as the cell phone connections that are dedicated transoceanic cable satellite uplinks can be utilized to connect this kind of network. It connects computers via public networks such as the telephone system, microwave Satellite link, Leased line.

Difference between LAN, MAN and WAN: 

LAN	WAN	MAN
It covers a limited space, usually a campus.	The coverage covers several nearby or city.	A vast and geographical area is usually a continent or country.
Much less expensive than privately-owned.	Mare is expensive and could be either public or private.	Costly and owned by groups of companies or a group of.
Support different topologies, such as bus rings, bus, and star.	A dual bus topology is typically a feature using an IEEE 802.6 standard.	They are prone to irregular topologies in a distinct part of WAN.