LAN, MAN, WAN [Network categories]

The different types of computer networks on the basis of range are LAN, MAN and WAN

Local Area Network (LAN)

A LAN is a network of computers that are relatively near with each other and are connected in a way that enables them to communicate by using cables and a small wireless devices.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A MAN is a network of computer is computers which are spread over a metropolitan area such as within a city.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A WAN is a network system of connecting two or more computers generally across a wide geographical area such as cities, districts, and countries.

The differences between LAN and MAN are:

LAN	MAN
It is a network which covers small area i.e. within a room, building, or short distance.	It is a network which covers an entire city or a big area.
It is controlled by a single organization.	It is controlled by single or group of organization.
It uses private connection media.	It uses private or public connection media.
E.g.: network in a school, college or cyber café.	E.g.: interconnection between different branches of banks of same branch

The differences between MAN and WAN are:

MAN	WAN
It is a network which covers an entire city.	It is a network that covers large area or whole world.
It is controlled by single or group of organization.	It is controlled by group of organization.
It uses private or public connection media.	It uses public connection media.
E.g.: interconnection between different branches on same branch	Eg. Internet

The differences between LAN and WAN are:

LAN	WAN
The network of computers that exists within a single room or within a building is called LAN.	The network system of connecting two or more computers generally across the wide geographical area is called WAN.
It is controlled by a single organization. So, it uses private connection medium.	It is controlled by multiple organizations. So, it uses public connection medium.

Features of Local Area Network
The diameter is not more than a few kilometres.
LAN offers bandwidth of 10-100 Mbps.
It is controlled by single organization.

Features of Metropolitan Area Network
It covers a larger geographical area than LAN and connects larger number of computer.
It is owned by single or multiple organizations.
It uses cable or wireless communication media to connect computers.
It uses private or public connection mediums.

Features of Wide Area Network
It is not restricted to a geographical location. It covers whole world.
It uses public connection mediums such as telephone lines and wireless technology.
It is owned by multiple organizations.

A WAN is composed of LANs and MANs. Justify this statement.

A WAN is composed of LANs and MANs. A WAN can have many groups of LANs and MANs. There may be large number of LANs in a MAN. And the branches of WAN may have many LANs and the computers on one branch may be connected with computers of other branches through telephone lines and unbounded media.

WANs are different from  LANs. Explain.

WANs are different from LANs because WAN covers a larger geographical area whereas LAN covers very small area. WAN is owned by multiple organizations whereas LAN is owned by single organization. WAN uses public connections mediums such as telephone lines, wireless technology etc.