1.6 Overview of different Network based on coverage: PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN

 

1.6 Overview of Different Networks Based on Coverage

A computer network is a collection of two or more computers and devices connected through wired or wireless media to share data, information, and resources.

Computer networks allow users to share hardware, software, files, and services such as printing, messaging, and Internet access.

 

Features of a Computer Network

i. Shares hardware devices such as printers, scanners, and hard disks
ii. Enables communication and information sharing through the Internet
iii. Supports centralized administration
iv. Provides data and software backup facilities

 

Services Provided by Computer Networks

• Print Service
• Message Service
• File Service
• Application Service
• Database Service

 

Types of Computer Networks Based on Coverage Area

i. PAN (Personal Area Network)
ii. LAN (Local Area Network)
iii. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
iv. WAN (Wide Area Network)

 

PAN (Personal Area Network)

A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a computer network that connects devices around a single person within a short distance, usually up to 10 meters.

It is mainly used for personal communication and data sharing between devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and other personal gadgets.

 

Features of PAN

i. Covers a small area, usually up to 10 meters
ii. Connects personal devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops
iii. Allows sharing of files, photos, videos, and other data
iv. Easy to set up and use

 

Examples of PAN

• Smartphone connected to a smartwatch
• Laptop connected to a wireless mouse
• Mobile phone connected to Bluetooth headphones
• File sharing through Bluetooth

 

LAN (Local Area Network)

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network that connects computers and devices within a small geographical area such as a room, building, school, college, or office.

LAN generally uses wired communication, although wireless LAN (WLAN) can also be used. It provides high-speed data transfer and allows devices to share resources and information.

 

Features of LAN

i. Covers a small geographical area
ii. Provides high-speed data transmission
iii. Connects multiple devices for resource sharing
iv. Has a low transmission error rate
v. Communication quality is better than MAN and WAN

 

Examples of LAN

• School computer lab
• Office network
• Home network
• College computer lab

 

WLAN (Wireless LAN)

A WLAN is a LAN that uses wireless technology such as Wi-Fi instead of cables to connect devices.

 

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a computer network that covers a larger area than a LAN but a smaller area than a WAN. It usually connects computers and networks within a city, valley, or metropolitan area.

A MAN can use both wired and wireless communication technologies and is commonly used by organizations with branches located in different parts of a city.

 

Features of MAN

i. Covers a city, valley, or metropolitan area
ii. Larger than LAN but smaller than WAN
iii. Connects multiple LANs together
iv. Supports sharing of regional resources
v. Can use wired or wireless communication

 

Examples of MAN

• Cable TV network
• Telephone network
• Internet service network within a city
• Network connecting branches of a company in a city

 

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a computer network that covers a very large geographical area, such as a country, continent, or the entire world.

WAN connects computers and networks over long distances using communication technologies such as telephone lines, optical fiber, mobile networks, and satellite communication.

The Internet is the largest example of a WAN.

 

Features of WAN

i. Covers a very large geographical area
ii. Connects networks across cities, countries, and continents
iii. Uses communication media such as satellites, telephone networks, and optical fiber cables
iv. Usually owned and managed by multiple organizations
v. Enables worldwide communication

 

Examples of WAN

• Internet
• 4G/5G Mobile Networks
• Satellite Communication
• International Banking Networks

 

Limitations of WAN

• Lower data transfer speed than LAN
• Higher communication delay
• More expensive to maintain

 

Did You Know? 🤔

The first computer network, ARPANET, was created in 1969 and is considered the predecessor of the Internet.

The first message sent over ARPANET was supposed to be "LOGIN", but the system crashed after sending only "LO".