LAN, MAN and WAN are all types of computer networks, but they are different from each other in many ways. Through this article today you will know what is the difference between LAN, MAN and WAN network?
Table of Contents
- What is LAN?
- What is MAN?
- What is WAN?
- Difference between LAN, MAN and WAN
- conclusion
What is LAN?
The main function of Local Area Network (LAN) is to transmit data from one place to another. It is used to share local applications and resources which include computers, printers, file servers, Internet connections etc.
It is a network connecting a group of computers which is usually installed in the same area or in the same building. A computer kept further away from this is not connected to the network.
The main benefit of a LAN network is its speed. Since there is a direct connection between networking devices, data transmission is instant. Moreover, it is secure and only accessible to members of the network.
What is MAN?
A MAN network covers a large area that is larger than a LAN but less than a WAN. It consists of several LAN networks which are established in different buildings and all these networks are connected to each other so that data can be transmitted from one computer to another.
MAN network helps to reduce the distance between different networking devices that are installed in the same area. It enables mass computer communication, with the Internet being widely used in business and government organizations. MAN networks also help to connect with other networks such as a WAN or the Internet.
What is WAN?
The main function of WAN (Wide Area Network) is to provide data connectivity between various locations. It plays a huge role when there is a need to transmit data between multiple networks, franchises, offices or different locations.
It is used to communicate between different countries, networks and organizations, including the Internet. WAN is also used to deliver data to data centers and cloud services located at various remote locations.
Therefore, the main function of a WAN is to provide data connectivity between different locations and networks so that users can share data with each other from different locations.
Difference between LAN, MAN and WAN
LAN, MAN and WAN are three different network topologies used to connect computer systems. In which LAN is a small network which is established in one place, such as an office or a house. LAN consists of computers, servers, printers and other network devices.
Here MAN is a big network which is established in a city or region. MAN networks are generally used for local telecom services in urban areas. Whereas, WAN is a huge network that provides connectivity between different locations and cities. It is commonly used for data connectivity between large companies and organizations across the globe.
Given below are all the major differences between LAN, MAN and WAN –
| LAN | MAN | WAN |
| Full form of LAN is Local Area Network. | Full form of MAN is Metropolitan Area Network. | Full form of WAN is Wide Area Network. |
| It is used in small places like schools, colleges, offices etc. | It is used in big places like cities, colonies etc. | It is used within the nation. |
| Data transmission speed is fast. | The speed of data transmission is slightly less (average). | Data transmission speed is slow. |
| Its range is between 0 and 150 meters. | Its range is between 5 to 50 km. | Its range is 50 km and more. |
| It is easier to maintain. | It’s difficult to maintain. | It is very hard to maintain. |
| It is privately owned. | Its ownership is private or public. | It also has private and public ownership. |
| It is easy to spot errors in this. | It is difficult to find errors in this. | It is very difficult to find errors in this. |
Conclusions
LAN, MAN and WAN differ in their area, size and connectivity methods. LAN is installed in small areas, MAN is installed in a city or region, and WAN provides connectivity between different locations and cities. In addition to these three networks, the Internet is also a huge WAN network that connects computers and digital devices all over the world.
FAQs
- What is full form of LAN?
- LAN’s full form is Local Area Network.
- What is full form of MAN?
- The full name of MAN is Metropolitan Area Network.
- What is full form of WAN?
- Wide Area Network is the abbreviation of WAN
