LAN, WAN, and MAN are different types of computer networks:
1. **LAN (Local Area Network)**:
- Definition: A LAN is a network that spans a relatively small area, typically within a single building or a group of buildings.
- Characteristics:
- Usually owned, controlled, and managed by a single organization.
- Provides high-speed connectivity (typically Ethernet) for sharing resources such as files, printers, and internet access among connected devices.
- Examples include office buildings, schools, and homes where multiple devices (computers, printers, smartphones) need to communicate with each other locally.
2. **WAN (Wide Area Network)**:
- Definition: A WAN is a network that covers a broad area, typically spanning cities, countries, or even continents.
- Characteristics:
- Connects multiple LANs and other types of networks together over long distances using various communication mediums such as leased lines, satellites, or fiber optics.
- Managed by multiple organizations or service providers.
- Provides connectivity for accessing remote resources, internet access, and enterprise applications.
- Examples include the internet itself, global corporate networks, and telecommunications networks that span across regions.
3. **MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)**:
- Definition: A MAN is a network that typically spans a larger geographical area than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, such as a city or large campus.
- Characteristics:
- Covers a larger geographical area than a LAN but is limited to a specific geographic area, like a city or a campus.
- Provides high-speed connectivity to connect LANs within its geographical coverage.
- Often used by large organizations, universities, or government entities to interconnect their various locations.
- Examples include city-wide Wi-Fi networks, university campuses, and corporate networks within a city.
In summary, LANs are localized networks within a confined area, WANs connect multiple LANs over larger distances (like between cities or countries), and MANs bridge the gap between LANs and WANs by covering a metropolitan area. Each type of network serves different purposes based on the scale of connectivity required.
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