Network is defined as the interconnection of two or more system
Network is broadly classified into following categories:-
- LAN
- MAN
- WAN
LAN (Local Area Network)
A LAN is a data communication system within a building or campus or between near by building. The most common LAN Topologies are Bus, Ring, Star, Tree. LAN is the network which covers the distance from 1m to 1 km. LAN is the cheap way of interconnecting the system. LAN is capable of transmitting data at very fast rates, much faster than data can be transmitted over a telephone line. LANs are easy to design and troubleshoot.
Exchange of information and sharing of resources becomes easy because of LAN. In LAN all computers are connected to a single cable. LAN has data rates in the rates in the 4 to 6 Mbps.
Independent devices can be easily interconnecting with degree in LAN. Processing can be done by number of user simultaneously. The files are stored on single memory in LAN network.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
MAN is a network that is assigned to cover a entire city. MAN support data and voice transmission. MAN are based on fiber optic transmission technology and provide high speed interconnection between sites.
MAN has range of 5 km to 50 km. MAN support IEEE 802.6.
e.g. a) A company can use MAN to connect LAN in all the offices through the city.
b) Cable TV networks that are spread over a city.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
WAN also called as Long HAUL Network. WAN spread over a town, city, country or even whole globe. Long distance transmission of data image and video over large area. The data is communicated in the small small pieces and sent over the Network.
e.g. Airline Reservation System.
