Types of Computer Networks
On the basis of geographic distance, computer networks are Categorized into the followlng three types
1 LAN (Local Area Network]
2 MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
3 WAN (Wide Area Network)
Local Area Network
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that is confined to a relatively
small area. It is generally limited to a geographic area such as a building or
adjacent buildings. LAN is the most common type of network. A computer
networks are usually owned by one organization.
Advandages of Lan
1 Computers can share peripheral devices like printers, storage device.
scanning devices, CD-ROM, etc.
2 User can save their work centraIiy on the network server.
3 Users can communicate with each other and transfer data between
computers very easily. Application package such as a word processor.
spreadsheet etc. in the server computer can be shared by all users.
Disadvantages of LAN
1 Special security measures are needed to stop unauthorized users.
2 LANs need to be maintained by skilled personnel.
metropolitan area network(man)
A large computer network which extends to a city or to a metropolitan region is termed as Metropolitan Area Network or MAN. A MAN connects two or more LANS to form a network spread over the whole city.
Cable television network in a city is a good example of MAN. Figure 1.5 shows a Metropolitan Area Network connecting sub offices and home users to the head office.
Advantages of MAN
It is bigger than LAN.
It transfers data at high speed.
Disadvantages of MAN
It is expensive.
It is difficult to maintain.
Wide Area Network (wan)
Wide Area Network is a very large computer network covering a large
geographic area, such as a state, province, country or the whole world. WANs
often connect multiple smaller networks. Many large organizations develop
their own private WAN’s. An example of WAN is Internet. Figure 1.6 shows a
WAN.
Advantages of WAN
1 In WAN, the users at different locations are connected to a central server.
It is used to monitor distant locations and offices.
Disadvantages of WAN
In WAN, security is a big issue.
1 Setting up a network can be an expensive and complicated task.
2 Management, maintenance and troubleshooting WAN is a difficult task.
