types Of Computer Networks - PAN,LAN, MAN and WAN SimiTech

types of computer networks

Different types of computer networks and its features

In this article, we will be discussing all the types of Computer networks. Also their features and disadvantages. So, let us checkout.

Table of Contents

PAN (Personal Area Network)

PAN is the most primary type of computer network. The limitation of this network is by a single person. That is, communication between computer devices focus only on the individual workplace. PAN provides a range of 10 meters network distance from the person to the device providing the connection.

Features

Basically, a personal device network is installed within a small area.
It also, allows you to customize the information devices connected to a single user location.
The PAN includes cell phones, tablets, and laptops.
Devices used for PAN: wireless mice, keyboards, and Bluetooth devices like headphones.
It is generally use for short distance communication.
It requires very low power.
Also needs low cost.

Disadvantage

Operation of PAN can only be at very low area range.
Use of it can only be for personal purposes.
Disruption of radio signals occurs easily.
The Infrared signals only travel in a straight line

LAN (Local Area Network)

LAN is for small physical areas such as offices, building groups, or factories. LANs are widely used as they are easy to design and solve. Personal computers and workplaces are connected to each other via LANs. We can use different types of topologies via LAN, these are Star, Ring, Bus, Tree, etc.

A LAN can be a simple network like connecting two computers, sharing files, and network with each other. At a time can be as complex as connecting the whole structure.

LAN networks are also widely used to share resources such as printers, hard drives data shared, etc.

LAN features

LANs are private networks, which has no charges with prices or other controls.
LANs work faster compared to a standard WAN.
There are a variety of Media Access Control methods on the LAN, the most prominent being the Ethernet, Token ring.
It connects computers to a single building, a block or a compass, which means they operate in a compact area.

Disadvantage

Although the LAN will save costs over time due to shared computer resources. Initial setup costs for installing Local Area Networks are high.
The LAN administrator reserves the right to view personal data files for each LAN user. In addition, he can check the internet history and computer history of the LAN user.
Unauthorise users can access important organizational data if the database is not properly secure by a LAN administrator.

CAN (Campus Area Network)

CAN is more massive than a LAN but smaller than a MAN. This is a type of computer network commonly used in places such as a school or college. This network covers a limited area, that is, it spreads to several buildings within the campus.

Campus Area Network (CAN) — digitalthinkerhelp.com

Features

CAN saves in the sense that it uses fewer cables, switches and routers.
In CAN, a message is sent once and is transmitted to all connected departments easily.
You can use wireless communication to connect different departments and buildings across the organization.
In CAN, files are transferred at high speed to the network (Internet).
In CAN, the Internet is mostly from the same ISP (Internet Service Provider).

Disadvantage

The connection between nodes (computers) is limited in size which means you cannot connect a large number of nodes together to CAN. So, CAN node can be as long as 40 meters.
Troubleshooting and maintenance of CAN are expensive compared to other networks.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

It was built in the 1980s, but it is a great type of LAN. Also called MAN and uses the same technology as LAN. Designed to stretch over the entire city. It can be a way to connect multiple LANs to a larger network or it can be a single cable. It is primarily owned and operated by a single private company or public company.

Metropolitan Area Networks — ars.els-cdn.com

Features

It cover cities and towns over 50-100 km.
The communication centre used for MAN is visible cables, wires etc.
It works very well and provides fast communication with high-speed carriers, such as fibre optic cables.
It provides a good backbone for a large network and provides great access to WANs.
The dual bus used in the MAN facilitates data transfer both ways simultaneously.
A MAN usually assembles many blocks of a city or an entire city.

The disadvantage of MAN

Extra cable is required for MAN connection from one location to another.
It is difficult to make the system secure from hackers and spy industries (spy).

WAN (Wide Area Network)

The WAN can be private or it can be a rented public network. It is used for a network that covers large distances as national landmarks. It is not easy to design and maintain. The communication channel used by the WAN is PSTN or Satellite links. WAN works with low data rates.

Features of WAN

It covers large distances (provinces, countries, continents).
The communication channels used are the satellite, mobile social networks connected via routers.
It covers a large geographical area so that a long-distance business can connect to a single network.
You share the software and resources on the working connectors.
Messages also can be sent very fast to anyone else in the network. These messages may contain images, sounds or data included (attachments).
Expensive items (such as printers or telephone wires to the Internet) can be shared by all computers in the network without having to purchase a separate peripheral for each computer.
Everyone in the network can use the same data. This avoids problems where some users may have older data than others.

Disadvantages of WAN

You need a good firewall to prevent outsiders from entering and disrupting the network.
Setting up a network can be expensive, slow and difficult. The larger the network will be the more expensive it will become.
Once set, network maintenance is a full-time job that requires network managers and professionals.
Security is a real problem where many different people are able to use information from other computers. Protection from hackers and viruses can add additional complexity and cost.

Conclusion

So, those were the types of computer networks. The use cases of them are different and are used for their best use case.

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