LAN, WAN, and MAN are all types of computer networks, each serving different geographical areas and purposes:
- LAN (Local Area Network):
- This is a network that connects devices in a relatively small area, like a home, office, or school. It allows devices like computers, printers, and smartphones to communicate with each other locally. Think of it as the network within a single building or a group of nearby buildings.
- MAN (Metropolitan Area Network):
- This type of network covers a larger geographical area, like a city or a town. It connects multiple LANs together and extends the network coverage beyond a single building or campus. MANs are often used by organizations or service providers to link their offices or facilities across a city.
- WAN (Wide Area Network):
- WANs cover the largest geographical area among these three types of networks. They can span across cities, countries, or even continents, connecting multiple LANs and MANs together. The internet is the largest example of a WAN. WANs are used to transmit data over long distances and are essential for global communication.
So, in simple terms, LAN connects devices in a small area, MAN connects multiple LANs in a city, and WAN connects LANs and MANs across large distances.