Modern day life is consumed by technology. Without it, life would not be nearly the same. The digital world is growing bigger and more powerful. The facts are that digital methods of communication are faster, more versatile, practical and streamlined, so it is perhaps unsurprising that once the technology became available we began quickly moving into the digital age. Before starting with our main topic, let us first get an overview of digital communications and networking. Digital communications refers to the transmission of digital data between two or more computers and a computer network or data network is a telecommunications network that allows computers to exchange data. The physical connection between networked computing devices is established using either cable media or wireless media. The best-known computer network is the Internet.
There are three types of computer networks depending on their range:
LAN
MAN
WAN
What is a LAN?
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that is restricted to smaller physical areas e.g. a local office, school, or house. It is a group of computers and network devices connected together, usually within the same building. By definition, the connections must be high speed and relatively inexpensive.
What is a MAN?
A MAN (metropolitan area network) is a larger network that usually spans several buildings in the same city or town. It’s range is much wider than a LAN.
What is a WAN?
A WAN (wide area network), in comparison to a MAN, is not restricted to a geographical location, although it might be confined within the bounds of a state or country. A WAN connects several LANs, and may be limited to an enterprise (a corporation or an organization) or accessible to the public. The technology is high speed and relatively expensive. The Internet is an example of a worldwide public WAN.
Relationship between LAN and WAN
A WAN could be a connection of LAN connecting to other LAN’s via telephone lines and radio waves. A LAN is an independant network and can operate without having a WAN connecting it to any other LAN. A WAN however is network of multiple LAN. A bunch of LAN together form a WAN. Thus without a LAN a WAN cannot function. Thus, a LAN will always exist along with a WAN. That is, every LAN may or may not be with a WAN but every WAN will be with a LAN.
Thankyou for reading. I hope the information was helpful.
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