A computer network can vary in size, and depending on the geographical area it covers, it can be classified into four types: LAN, CAN, MAN, and WAN. In this article, we will explain each type of network, their characteristics, and differences.
- LAN (Local Area Network)
LAN stands for Local Area Network, which covers a small geographical area. It plays an important role in the day-to-day functioning of small offices, homes, and businesses. The main characteristics of LAN networks are:
- They are used in a small geographical area
- They offer the highest data transfer speed
- They connect and provide access to many devices
- They need only a few networking devices such as hubs, switches, and NIC cards
- They are owned, managed, and operated by a single person or an entity
Examples of LAN networks include home networks, small offices, cyber cafes, and open Wi-Fi networks at railway stations.
- CAN (Campus Area Network)
CAN stands for Campus Area Network, which covers a small geographical area such as a building, university campus, or corporate park. The main characteristics of CAN networks are:
- They are used within a small geographical area
- They offer slower data transfer speeds than LAN networks
- They connect many LAN networks
- They need many networking devices such as access switches, backbone switches, and routers
- They are owned, managed, and operated by a single organization or a company
Only experienced network engineers can set up and manage CAN networks.
- MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
MAN stands for Metropolitan Area Network, which connects LANs across a city or metropolitan area. The main characteristics of MAN networks are:
- It spans a city or a metropolitan area
- It connects LAN networks
- To connect LAN networks, it uses fiber optic connections
- It provides a single point of connection between each LAN
- It uses many networking devices such as routers, telephone switches, wireless access points, fiber optic cables, modems, and microwave antennas as parts of its communication infrastructure
Local government bodies use MAN networks to broadcast valuable information across the city, and companies use it to connect their offices in the city. MAN networks are expensive to set up and manage.
- WAN (Wide Area Network)
WAN stands for Wide Area Network, which spans a large geographical area such as a country or a continent. It connects MAN networks and provides a slower data transfer speed than MAN, CAN, and LAN. WAN networks have the following characteristics:
- They span a very large geographical area such as a country and continent, and can also span the world
- They provide slower data transmission speed compared to LAN, CAN, and MAN
- They use sophisticated networking devices and technologies
- They connect MAN networks
- They provide limited access to LAN or CAN networks, and a LAN or a CAN usually has one WAN link that is shared by multiple devices
Thousands of telecommunications companies across the world install and manage WAN lines, which can be installed on both land and water. They also use satellite connectivity to extend WAN connectivity.
Differences between LAN, CAN, MAN, and WAN.
The following table compares LAN, CAN, MAN, and WAN and lists the main differences between them.
| LAN (Local Area Network) | CAN (Campus Area Network) | MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) | WAN (Wide Area Network) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Small (usually within a building or campus) | Medium (larger than a LAN, but smaller than a MAN) | Large (encompasses an entire metropolitan area) | Very large (encompasses a wide geographic area) |
| Distance | Short (up to a few hundred meters) | Medium (up to a few kilometers) | Medium to long (up to tens of kilometers) | Long (up to thousands of kilometers) |
| Speed | High (up to several gigabits per second) | High (up to several gigabits per second) | Medium to high (up to several hundred megabits per second) | Medium to high (up to several hundred megabits per second) |
| Cost | Low to medium (depends on the size and complexity of the network) | Medium (depends on the size and complexity of the network) | High (due to the need for specialized equipment and infrastructure) | Very high (due to the need for long-distance communication infrastructure) |
| Ownership | Owned and operated by a single organization or individual | Owned and operated by a single organization or individual | Owned and operated by a single organization or individual, or by a group of organizations | Owned and operated by multiple organizations or service providers |
| Examples | Home or office network, school network | University campus network, military base network | City-wide network, public transport network | Internet, global telecommunication networks |
These differences highlight the varying needs and requirements of different types of networks. For example, a LAN may be suitable for a small office or home, while a WAN is necessary for global communication between organizations. Understanding these differences can help in choosing the right type of network for a particular situation.