Types of Area Networks — LAN, MAN and WAN

Types of Area Networks — LAN, MAN and WAN

Introduction

With the increasing reliance on digital technology in both personal and professional settings, computer networks have become a vital component of modern communication systems. In this reading, you’ll examine the most widely used network types a bit closer to assess their pros and cons. By understanding the differences between the types of networks, you can better understand how they function and how they can be used to improve communication and information sharing in different contexts.

Local area network (LAN)

A local area network, or LAN, is a network that connects devices within a small area, such as a home, office, or school. LANs can be wired or wireless, and the bandwidth and the number of devices connected to a LAN network depend on the router’s capacity.

Advantages of LAN

• Easy to set up and maintain.
• Fast data transfer speeds.
• Secure because it’s in a limited area.
• Can be used to share resources like printers, files, and internet connections.

Disadvantages of LAN

• Limited range.
• Data transfer rate and capacity depend on the router.
• High installation and maintenance costs for wired LANs.
• May pose security risks if not properly checked.

Wireless local area network (WLAN)

WLANs allow devices to connect to the internet or each other without using cables or wires. This flexibility makes them a convenient way to access the internet. WLANs are commonly found in public spaces like airports, cafes, and libraries, as well as in homes and offices. They use a wireless access point (WAP) to connect devices to the network and can support various devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

Advantages of WLAN

• Provides wireless connectivity, allowing for greater mobility and flexibility.
• Easier to set up and expand compared to wired networks.
• Can be less expensive than wired networks, especially in areas where cabling is difficult or impossible to install.
• Allows for easy access to the internet and network resources from multiple devices.
• Supports multiple users simultaneously.

Disadvantages of WLAN

• Limited range and signal strength compared to wired networks, requiring additional access points for larger areas.
• Security risks due to the wireless signal being accessible to anyone within range, requiring strong encryption and authentication measures.
• Slower speeds compared to wired networks, especially over longer distances or when multiple users are connected.
• May require additional equipment and maintenance, such as repeaters and signal boosters, to maintain connectivity and performance.

Wide area network (WAN)

A Wide Area Network (WAN) covers a vast area, connecting hundreds and thousands of local area networks (LANs) in separate places. The internet is an excellent example of a WAN. As you may recall, WANs utilize various methods like leased lines, satellites, and wireless networks to connect the LANs to the main network.

Advantages of WAN

• Enables communication and sharing of resources across large distances.
• Allows for remote access and collaboration.
• Can improve efficiency and productivity in a distributed organization.
• Keeps working if there is a failure in one part of the network without affecting the overall performance of the system.

Disadvantages of WAN

• Needs expensive, high bandwidth, and dependable connections.
• Could face security threats and attacks over public connections.
• Troubleshooting and maintenance over a large area can be challenging.
• Performance and user experience could be affected by network congestion and latency.

Metropolitan area network (MAN)

This is a type of network that connects multiple LANs within a city or metropolitan area. MANs are used to provide high-speed connectivity for organizations that have multiple locations across a city. Large business entities or government agencies typically use them.

Advantages of MAN

• Allows communication among devices over a larger geographic area than a LAN.
• High-speed data transfer capability.
• Provides centralized management of network resources.
• Enables remote access and collaboration between employees at separate locations.
• Can be customized to fit the specific needs of an organization.

Disadvantages of MAN

• Can be expensive to install and maintain.
• May require specialized knowledge and expertise to manage.
• Can be vulnerable to security breaches if not properly secured.
• May experience performance issues due to network congestion or distance between locations.

Storage area network (SAN)

Storage Area Networks (SANs) are commonly used in enterprise-level environments to provide fast and reliable storage for many servers and applications. Let’s explore where SAN systems can add value.

Banks and financial institutions need to store and access large amounts of data for their day-to-day operations. SANs are commonly used to provide fast and reliable data storage, including customer information, financial transactions, and more.

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities generate and store a significant amount of data, including patient records, medical images, and other resources. A SAN can be used to provide storage for this data, which is critical for patient care and research.

And media and entertainment companies such as movie studios, television networks, and streaming services generate and store a vast amount of digital content. A SAN can be used to provide fast and reliable storage for this content, which is critical for content delivery and post-production workflows.

Advantages of SAN

• Provides fast, reliable, and centralized storage for a large amount of data.
• Can be easily scaled and expanded to accommodate growing storage needs.
• Allows for backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity solutions.
• Offers high-speed data transfers and improved performance for critical applications.
• Provides security and data protection with access controls and encryption.

Disadvantages of SAN

• Can be complex and expensive to implement and maintain, requiring specialized hardware and software.
• May require dedicated IT staff for management and maintenance.
• Could be a single point of failure if not correctly configured for redundancy.
• Performance can be impacted if the network is not efficient.

Other types of area networks

There are additional types of area networks that you should also be familiar with. In a cybersecurity career, you will work with many different kinds of networks, so it’s vital that you know about the other types of networks discussed next.

Personal area network (PAN)

You already know about PANs, which are small networks typically temporarily connecting personal devices. For instance, when you link your laptop and smartphone through Bluetooth or share the internet using hotspots, you are creating a PAN. This type of network can help simplify tasks by allowing devices to communicate with each other, and it’s especially useful for people who are on the go and need to share files or connect to the internet quickly. However, PANs are limited in range, and devices need to be close to each other to work properly.

Desktop area network (DAN)

This is a type of computer network that connects multiple devices to one single device. For example, it connects printers, scanners, and external storage devices to a desktop computer, enabling them to be accessed and shared by multiple users. Like all other small area networks, DANs have limited range and capability and sometimes a slower data transfer rate.

Tiny area network (TAN)

A TAN links devices in a small area, usually within a few meters of each other, such as in a room. It is designed to consume low power and is often used for smart homes and connecting wearable technology and internet of things (IoT) devices. TANs are similar to PANs and DANs because they have limited range and data transfer rates.

Campus area network (CAN)

CANs connect multiple buildings within a small geographical area, such as a college campus, university, or office complex. A CAN is typically designed to provide high-speed connectivity between buildings and support many users. This type of network can be complex to set up and maintain, requiring specialized equipment and expertise.

Conclusion

In conclusion, area networks have become integral to modern communication infrastructure, enabling businesses, organizations, and individuals to connect and collaborate over short and long distances. From PANs that connect devices in a small area, to WANs that span entire countries and continents, area networks provide the backbone for modern communication and data transfer. With ongoing innovation and development, area networks will continue to play a critical role in shaping how we live, work, and interact in the digital age.