Classification of network || Data communication || LAN,MAN,WAN

Classification of network

Depending upon the size ans networking area of the network are following types :

1) LAN ( Local Area Network )

2) MAN ( Metropolitan Area Network )

3) WAN ( Wide Area Network )

LAN ( Local Area Network )

A LAN is a group of computers in a localized area. A LAN connects networks devices over a relatively short distance. The localized are could mean a small room of 20 feet by 15 feet or a building sprawling over several acres.A LAN network connects network device in such a way that personal computer and workstations can share data , tools, programs. The group of computers and devices are connected together by a switch or stack of switch using IP protocols. A networked office, building,school or home usually containing a single LAN .

Characteristic of LAN :

1. LAN’s are privet network, not subjected to traffic or other regulatory controls.

2. LAN operate at relatively high speed when compared to the typical WAN

3. There are different types of media access control methods in a LAN , the prominent ones are Ethernet , token ring.

4. It connects computers in a single building or campus. They work in a restricted geographical area.

Application of LAN :

1. One of the computer in a network can become seven serving all the remaining computers called clients. Software can be stored on the sever and it can be used by the remaining clients.

2. Connecting locally all the workstation in a building to lat the communicate with each other locally without any Internet access.

3. Sharing common resources like printers etc are some common application of LAN

Advantage of LAN :

1. Resource sharing : Computer resources like printers, modems, DVD-ROM drives and hard disk can be shared with the help of local area network . This reduce cost and hardware purchases.

2. Software Applications sharing : It is cheaper to use same software network instead of purchasing separate licensed software for each client a network.

3. Data and massages can easily be transferred over networked commuters.

4. Data security : Since, data is stored on server computer centrally , It will be easy to manage data at only one place and data will be more secure too.

5. Internet sharing : Local area networking provides the facility to share single internet connection among all the ALNS users.

Disadvantage of LAN :

1. High setup cost : Although the LAN will save cost over time due to shared computers resources , but the initial setup costs of installing is high.

2. Privacy violation : The LAN administration has the right check personal data files of each and every LAN users . Moreover he can check the internet history and computer use history of the LAN user .

3. Data security threat : Unauthorized users can access importance data of an organization . If centralized data repository is not secured properly by the LAN administrator .

4. LAN maintenance job : Local area network requires a LAN administrator because , there are problems of software installations or hardware failures Or cable disturbance . In local area network . A LAN administrator is needed at this full time job.

5. Cover Limited area : Local area network covers a small area like one office, one building or a group of nearby buildings .

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MAN ( Metropolitan Area Network )

It was developed in 1880 s .It is basically a bigger version of LAN . It is also called MAN and users the similar technology as LAN. It is designed to extend over entire city . It can be means to connecting a number of LAN’s into a larger network or it can be s single cable . It is mainly hold and operated by single privet company or public company.

Characteristic of MAN :

1. It generally covers town and cities ( 50 km )

2. Communication medium used for MAN are optical fibers, cables etc.

3. Data rates adequate for distributed computing applications .

Advantage of MAN :

1. It provides a good backbone for large network and provides a grater access to WANS.

2. These network deliver fast and efficient communication by using a high speed carrier fibre optics cable.

3. The dual bus used in MAN helps the transmission of data in both directions simultaneously.

4. A MAN usually encompasses several blocks of a city or an entire city

Disadvantage of MAN :

1. More cable required for MAN communication from one place to another.

2. It is difficult to make system secure from hackers and industrial spying graphical regions.

WAN ( Wide Area Network ) :

A wide area network is a telecommunication network. It can be private or it can be public leased network . It is used for the network that covers large distance such as cover states of a country . It is not easy to design and maintain.Communication medium used by WAN are PSTN or satellite links. WAN operates on low data rates.

Characteristics of WAN :

1. It generally covers large distance or a large geographical area such as countries .

2. A WAN can contain multiple smaller networks such as LANS or MANS

3. Communication medium used are satellite. Public telephone networks which are connected by routers.

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Advantage of WAN :

1. Covers a large geographical area so long distance business can connect on the one network

2. Share software and resources with connecting workstation

3. Messages can be sent very quickly to anyone else on the network.This messages can have pictures, sounds or data included with them.

4. Expensive things ( Such as printers or phone lines to the internet ) can be shared by all computers on the network without having to buy a different peripheral for each computer .

5. Everyone on the network can use the same data . This avoids problems where some users may have older information than others.

Disadvantaged of WAN :

1. Need a good firewall to restrict outsides form entering and disrupting network .

2. Setting up a network can be an expensive. Slow and complicated , the bigger the network the more expensive it in.

3. Once set up , maintaining a network is a full-time job which requires network supervisors and technicians to be employed.

4. Security is a real issue when many d different people have the ability to use information from another computers. Protection against hackers and viruses adds more complexity and expense.