Comparision between different types of Computer Network
December 21, 2024
Below is the comparison between different types of computer network:
| Aspect | Local Area Network (LAN) | Wide Area Network (WAN) | Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) | Personal Area Network (PAN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | A network that connects devices within a small geographical area, like a home or office. | A network that spans a large geographical area, connecting multiple LANs. | A network that connects devices across a city or large campus. | A network that connects personal devices within a very small area, such as a room or vehicle. |
| Coverage Area | Small (up to a few kilometers) | Large (across cities, countries, or even continents) | Medium (typically a city or large campus) | Very small (typically up to 10 meters) |
| Speed | High (up to 10 Gbps or more) | Varies (can be slower due to long-distance connections) | Moderate (typically 1 Gbps) | Low to moderate (depending on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) |
| Data Transfer Rate | Very fast (up to 10 Gbps or more) | Varies, typically lower than LAN | Moderate (up to 1 Gbps) | Low (up to 100 Mbps with Bluetooth, faster with Wi-Fi) |
| Examples | Home networks, office networks, school networks | The internet, private corporate networks | City-wide networks, university campuses | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, USB connections |
| Cost | Low (affordable setup) | High (requires expensive infrastructure) | Moderate (requires local infrastructure) | Very low (cheap devices and setup) |
| Hardware Used | Routers, switches, Ethernet cables, Wi-Fi routers | Routers, leased lines, satellites | Routers, switches, fiber optics | Bluetooth adapters, Wi-Fi, USB devices |
| Management | Easy to manage and set up | Complex (requires professional setup and management) | Moderate (managed by city authorities or large institutions) | Simple (usually automatic with few devices) |
| Reliability | High (usually stable and fast) | Variable (depends on the infrastructure and distance) | Moderate (dependent on the area coverage) | High (simple devices with fewer connection issues) |
| Security | Moderate (basic security measures like firewalls) | High (requires advanced security due to the wide scope) | Moderate to high (depends on the network’s management) | Low (basic security like encryption, but limited range) |