Question

What are the differences between LAN, MAN, and WAN in terms of geographical area?

Hint:

Remember: {L-M-W} → Local, Metropolitan, Wide — increasing order of geographical coverage.

Answer 1

Concept: Computer networks are classified based on the geographical area they cover. The three main types are:

• LAN — Local Area Network
• MAN — Metropolitan Area Network
• WAN — Wide Area Network

Step 1: Local Area Network (LAN).

• Covers a small geographical area.
• Examples: home, school, office building.
• Usually privately owned and high-speed.

Step 2: Metropolitan Area Network (MAN).

• Covers a larger area than LAN, typically a city or town.
• Connects multiple LANs together.
• Example: city-wide cable network.

Step 3: Wide Area Network (WAN).

• Covers a very large geographical area.
• May span countries or continents.
• Example: The Internet.

Step 4: Comparison in terms of area.
\[ \text{LAN}<\text{MAN}<\text{WAN} \] This means LAN has the smallest coverage, while WAN has the largest. Conclusion:

• LAN: Small/local area (building or campus)
• MAN: Medium area (city)
• WAN: Very large/global area (countries or world)