Define MAN. Give any two differences between LAN and WAN.
Short for Metropolitan Area Network, a data network designed for a town or city. In terms of geographic breadth, MANs are larger than local-area networks (LANs), but smaller than wide-area networks (WANs). MANs are usually characterized by very high-speed connections using fiber optical cable or other digital media.
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Parameters
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LAN
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WAN
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Stands For
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Local Area Network
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Wide Area Network
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Covers
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Local areas only (e.g., homes, offices, schools)
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Large geographic areas (e.g., cities, states, nations)
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Definition
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LAN (Local Area Network) is a computer network covering a small geographic area, like a home, office, school, or group of buildings.
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WAN (Wide Area Network) is a computer network that covers a broad area (e.g., any network whose communications links cross metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries over a long distance).
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Speed
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High speed (1000 mbps)
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Less speed (150 mbps)
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Data transfer rates
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LANs have a high data transfer rate.
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WANs have a lower data transfer rate compared to LANs.
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Example
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The network in an office building can be a LAN
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The Internet is a good example of a WAN
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Technology
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Tend to use certain connectivity technologies, primarily Ethernet and Token Ring
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WANs tend to use technologies like MPLS, ATM, Frame Relay and X.25 for connectivity over longer distances
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Connection
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One LAN can be connected to other LANs over any distance via telephone lines and radio waves.
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Computers connected to a wide-area network are often connected through public networks, such as the telephone system. They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites.
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