Types of Computer Network: LAN, MAN, WAN and PAN

PAN: Personal Area Network

PAN stands for Personal Area Network. It is designed for a very short distance (1 to10 m), such as a single room. This type of network can also be connected wirelessly to the Internet. The best example of PAN Networks is a Mobile hotspot and Bluetooth. The figure is shown below.

Advantages of PAN Network

1. It reduces hardware costs.
2. It connects the devices very quickly.
3. It is very secure.

Disadvantages of PAN Network

1. In PAN Network, Transmission speed is very slow to moderate.
2. PAN networks have a limited range.

LAN: Local Area Network

LAN stands for Local Area Network. LAN is a privately-owned network. It is designed for a small range of areas such as buildings, offices, and factories. LANs are widely used to share resources like printers, data, etc. It's simple to design and solve problems. The figure is shown below.

Workstations and personal computers are connected via LANs. It can use different types of topologies, such as Star, Tree, Bus, Ring, etc.

Advantages of LAN Network

1. It provides higher security.
2. It is cost efficient.
3. It is easily transferred to data and messages.
4. It provides high data transfer rates.

Disadvantages of LAN Network

1. The Power must be ON to make the LAN work efficient.
2. Security is not always 100% ensured.
3. It is more time consuming to set up the network.

MAN: Metropolitan Area Network

MAN stands for Metropolitan Area Network. MAN is an extended version of the LAN network. It is designed for extending over the geographic area (typically a city or towns). This type of network is larger than the LAN network and smaller than the WAN network. It uses similar technology as LAN. The single private company and public company is mainly operating the MAN Network. The best example of MAN networks is the Television network. The figure is shown below.

Advantages of MAN Network

1. MAN Network covers a larger range of areas than the LAN network, such as an entire city or town.
2. The double bus used in MAN network helps it possible to transmit data in both directions together.

Disadvantages of MAN Network

1. More cable required for a set up a MAN network from one location to another.
2. It isn't very easy to manage the system securely.

WAN: Wide Area Network

WAN stands for Wide Area Network. It is designed for extending over the geographical area, such as cover the states or countries. It is very complex to design and maintain. The medium of communication used by the WAN is a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) or satellite link. The best example of WAN networks is the Internet. The figure is shown below.

Advantages of WAN Network

1. It covers a larger geographical area, such as countries.
2. It is used to send rapid messages at anywhere and anytime.
3. It allows you to connect workstations to share resources and software.

Disadvantages of WAN Network

1. It is costly.
2. Low security (Unsafe from hackers or other outside threats)
3. Manage and Maintain the WAN network is a very complex task.
4. It requires investing in a good firewall system to avoid interference from hackers.