Lecture 10

Networks:
A network is a collection of interconnected computers, devices, or nodes that communicate and
share resources (such as data, files, and hardware) over a medium. Networks enable devices to
transfer information through wired or wireless connections using established protocols. Networks
can vary in size and scope, from small local networks in homes and offices to large global networks
like the Internet.
The Network allows computers to connect and communicate with different computers via any
medium. LAN, MAN, and WAN are the three major types of networks designed to operate over
the area they cover.
Key Characteristics of a Network:
 Connectivity: Devices are connected to facilitate communication and data sharing.
 Protocols: Rules and standards (e.g., TCP/IP) governing how data is transmitted.
 Resources Sharing: Access to shared files, applications, printers, and internet connections.
 Mediums: Connections through wired (Ethernet cables) or wireless (Wi-Fi, cellular)
technologies.
 Scalability: Networks can expand or reduce in size depending on needs.
Examples of Network:
 Home Network: Links devices like phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
 Corporate Network: Connects computers, servers, and printers in an office.
 The Internet: A global network that links billions of devices worldwide.

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 1. Local Area Network (LAN)
LAN or Local Area Network connects network devices in such a way that personal
computers and workstations can share data, tools, and programs. The group of computers
and devices are connected together by a switch, or stack of switches, using a private
addressing scheme as defined by the TCP/IP protocol. Private addresses are unique in
relation to other computers on the local network. Routers are found at the boundary of a
LAN, connecting them to the larger WAN.
Data transmits at a very fast rate as the number of computers linked is limited. By
definition, the connections must be high-speed and relatively inexpensive hardware (Such
as hubs, network adapters, and Ethernet cables). LANs cover a smaller geographical area
(Size is limited to a few kilometres) and are privately owned. One can use it for an office
building, home, hospital, school, etc. LAN is easy to design and maintain. A
Communication medium used for LAN has twisted-pair cables and coaxial cables. It covers
a short distance, and so the error and noise are minimized.
Early LANs had data rates in the 4 to 16 Mbps range. Today, speeds are normally 100 or
1000 Mbps. Propagation delay is very short in a LAN. The smallest LAN may only use
two computers, while larger LANs can accommodate thousands of computers. LAN has a
range up to 2km. A LAN typically relies mostly on wired connections for increased speed
and security, but wireless connections can also be part of a LAN. The fault tolerance of a
LAN is more and there is less congestion in this network. For example A bunch of students
playing Counter-Strike in the same room (without internet).

Advantages:
 Provides fast data transfer rates and high-speed communication.
 Easy to set up and manage.
 Can be used to share peripheral devices such as printers and scanners.
 Provides increased security and fault tolerance compared to WANs.
Disadvantages:
 Limited geographical coverage.
 Limited scalability and may require significant infrastructure upgrades to accommodate
growth.
  May experience congestion and network performance issues with increased usage.
Characteristics of LAN:
 Geographical Scope: A single building, office, or home (usually less than a few
kilometers).
 Ownership: Owned, operated, and maintained by one organization or individual (e.g., a
company or homeowner).
 Speed: Very high, up to 10 Gbps or more.
 Reliability: High reliability due to limited area and fewer devices.
 Security: Easier to control access and monitor since it’s limited to a specific physical area.
Technologies used in LAN:
 Ethernet: Most wired LANs use Ethernet cables (Cat5, Cat6) to connect computers.
 Wi-Fi: Wireless LANs use Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 standards) to connect devices without
cables.
 Switches and Routers: Switches connect devices within the LAN, while routers connect
the LAN to the internet or other networks.

Components of a LAN:
 Router: Connects the LAN to the Internet.
 Switch: Manages and directs data within the LAN by connecting multiple devices.
 Access Points (APs): For wireless networks, these allow devices to connect via Wi-Fi.
 Network Interface Cards (NICs): Installed in computers to communicate over the
network.
 Cables: Ethernet cables (for wired LANs) to connect devices.
Examples of LAN:
 An office network connecting employees’ computers and printers.
 A home network connecting laptops, smart TVs, and mobile devices to the internet.
 A university computer lab where all machines are linked together to share software.

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 2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
MAN or Metropolitan area Network covers a larger area than that covered by a LAN and
a smaller area as compared to WAN. MAN has a range of 5-50km. It connects two or more
computers that are apart but reside in the same or different cities. It covers a large
geographical area and may serve as an ISP (Internet Service Provider). MAN is designed
for customers who need high-speed connectivity. Speeds of MAN range in terms of Mbps.
It’s hard to design and maintain a Metropolitan Area Network.
The fault tolerance of a MAN is less and also there is more congestion in the network. It is
costly and may or may not be owned by a single organization. The data transfer rate and
the propagation delay of MAN are moderate. Devices used for transmission of data through
MAN are Modem and Wire/Cable. Examples of a MAN are part of the telephone company
network that can provide a high-speed DSL line to the customer or the cable TV network
in a city.

Advantages:
 Provides high-speed connectivity over a larger geographical area than LAN.
 Can be used as an ISP for multiple customers.
 Offers higher data transfer rates than WAN in some cases.
Disadvantages:
 Can be expensive to set up and maintain.
 May experience congestion and network performance issues with increased usage.
 May have limited fault tolerance and security compared to LANs.
Characteristics of MAN:
 Geographical Scope: Covers cities or large areas such as a town or multiple buildings
across a city (tens of kilometers).
 Ownership: Often managed by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), governments, or large
organizations.
 Speed: High-speed networks (1 Gbps to 10 Gbps).
 Cost: More expensive than LANs due to larger coverage and infrastructure needs.
 Reliability: Generally reliable but may have occasional downtime or disruptions due to the
size.
Technologies used in MAN:
 Fiber Optic Networks: For high-speed communication over long distances.
 Microwave Links: For wireless connections over large areas.
 Cable Networks: Used to connect homes and businesses within a city.
 Wired and Wireless Solutions: Can use both wired (fiber, coaxial) and wireless (Wi-Fi,
LTE) technologies.
Components of a MAN:
 Fiber Optic Cables: Provide fast and reliable connectivity between locations.
 Routers and Switches: Direct traffic between LANs within the MAN.
 Wireless Access Points (WAPs): Provide wireless access throughout the metropolitan
area.
 Leased Lines: Dedicated high-speed connections leased from service providers.
Examples of MAN:
 A city-wide network connecting government offices and schools.
 Cable TV networks offering internet services across a town.
 A university network with multiple campuses spread across a city, all interconnected.
 Smart City Networks used for traffic management, public Wi-Fi, and surveillance systems.

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3. Wide Area Network (WAN)

WAN or Wide Area Network is a computer network that extends over a large geographical
area, although it might be confined within the bounds of a state or country. WAN has a
range of above 50 km. A WAN could be a connection of LAN connecting to other LANs
via telephone lines and radio waves 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. There are two types of WAN: Switched WAN and Point-to-Point WAN. WAN
is difficult to design and maintain. Similar to a MAN, the fault tolerance of a WAN is less
and there is more congestion in the network. A Communication medium used for WAN is
PSTN(Public Switched Telephone Network) or Satellite Link. Due to long-distance
transmission, the noise and error tend to be more in WAN.
WAN’s data rate is slow about a 10th LAN’s speed since it involves increased distance and
increased number of servers and terminals etc. The speed of WAN ranges from a few
kilobits per second (Kbps) to megabits per second (Mbps). Propagation delay is one of the
biggest problems faced here. Devices used for the transmission of data through WAN are
Optic wires, Microwaves, and Satellites. An example of a Switched WAN is the
asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network and Point-to-Point WAN is a dial-up line that
connects a home computer to the Internet.
Advantages:
 Covers large geographical areas and can connect remote locations.
 Provides connectivity to the internet.
 Offers remote access to resources and applications.
 Can be used to support multiple users and applications simultaneously.
Disadvantages:
 Can be expensive to set up and maintain.
 Offers slower data transfer rates than LAN or MAN.
 May experience higher latency and longer propagation delays due to longer distances and
multiple network hops.
 May have lower fault tolerance and security compared to LANs.
Characteristics of WAN:
Geographical Scope: Can span across countries or continents (hundreds to thousands of
kilometers).
Ownership: Managed by telecommunications companies and ISPs; multiple networks may be
interconnected.
Speed: Slower than LANs and MANs, but still capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 Gbps for
enterprise networks.
Cost: High, as it requires sophisticated infrastructure such as satellite links and leased lines.
Reliability: Subject to disruptions due to the complexity of the network.
Technologies used in WAN:
Fiber Optic Cables: For high-speed backbone networks.
Leased Lines: Private lines rented from telecom companies for dedicated communication.
Satellite Links: Used where physical cables are not feasible (e.g., remote areas or oceans).
MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching): A technology used to route data efficiently across
WANs.
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks): Securely connects remote LANs over public networks.
Components of a WAN:
Backbone Routers: Handle long-distance data transmission.
Satellites and Towers: Enable wireless communication across regions.
Modems and Gateways: Connect LANs to the WAN and ensure proper data flow.
Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): Facilities where different networks interconnect for fast data
exchange.
Examples of WAN:
 The Internet: The largest WAN that connects millions of networks globally.
 Banking Networks: Connecting ATMs and branches across countries.
 Corporate WANs: Linking the headquarters with international branches or remote offices.
 Military Networks: Used for secure communication between different bases worldwide.

Comparison
Feature LAN MAN WAN

Geographical Area Small (building or City or metropolitan Global (multiple

room) area regions)
Speed Fastest (up to 10 Moderate (100 Mbps Varies (up to 100
Gbps) to 1 Gbps) Mbps or more)
Cost Low setup cost Moderate cost High cost due to long-
distance infrastructure
Technology Ethernet, Wi-Fi Fiber optics, Satellite, routers,
microwave links leased lines
Example Office network Campus or city Internet or corporate
network network