In this post we will explain the similarities and differences between the main used networks to connect computers and devices.
26 february 2016
We use them every day in every area to facilitate communications. Computer networks are a set of computers and software connected to each other to share resources and information. These networks can be classified according to their size, physical media and topology. We will describe some of the most common networks.
LAN
Local Area Network. Local Area Networks are the most used networks in the exchange of data and resources between computers. Normally are used to connect computers in relatively small spaces. Their main characteristic is that they allow the interconnection of multiple nodes (storage units, printers and other devices) even if they are not physically connected to our computers. The main inconvenient is that nodes that can be connected to a LAN are limited.
WAN
Wide Area Network. When several LAN are connected to each other, they are known by the name of Wide Area Network. The most common WAN connections are the phone line and satellites. Big companies and Internet Service Providers (ISP) frequently use this type of networks.
MAN
Metropolitan Area Network. Regarding geographical coverage, Metropolitan Area Networks have a wider scope than the LAN networks, but less than the WANs, this is why they are used mainly in more reduced areas such as cities and towns. The main conductive medium used in the information transfer if the optical fibre, allowing not only a faster connection, but also lower error rates and latency (the set of time delays of a network) than in other networks. Also, they are more stable and resistant to the radio-electric interferences.
WLAN
Wireless Local Network. Unlike Local Area Networks or LAN, in Wireless Local Networks the exchange of information takes place through radio waves. The main inconvenient is the unsafety: every person with a wireless terminal can connect to a different private access point if it has not the appropriate security measures.
WMAN
Wireless Metropolitan Network. The Wireless Metropolitan Network is the wireless version of conventional Metropolitan Area Networks. The main difference to the MAN is that their scope is much wider. This technology is present in communication standards such as the WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access).
WWAN
Wireless Local Area Network. The Wireless Local Area Network has a wider geographical coverage than the offered by the WMAN networks. Instead of using mobile technologies communications such as WiMAX, UMTS, GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000, GSM, CDPD, Mobitex, HSPA and 3G; it uses systems such as Wi-Fi and LMDS (Local Multipoint Distribution Service).
SAN
Storage Area Network. The Storage Area Network is a very used network by big companies because it allows connecting different storage units to the Local Area Networks or LAN. These types of networks are used in central computers responsible for processing a large amount of data of companies such as IBM, SUN and HP.
PAN
Personal Area Network. The Personal Area Network connects the devices close to the user in a reduced area. Computers, Internet access points, mobile phones, PDAs and printers can be connected to a PAN network.
