Differences between LAN, MAN and WAN
Overview
Let’s learn the differences between different computer network types like LAN, MAN, and WAN.
Computer networks can be broadly classified based on their network coverage area. Computer networks are classified into the following types:
- LAN(Local Area Network)
- MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)
- WAN(Wide Area Network)
LAN vs MAN vs WAN
Some of the differences between LAN, MAN, and WAN computer networks are as follows:
| LAN | MAN | WAN |
| LAN stands for Local Area Network | MAN stands for Metropolitan Area Network | WAN stands for Wide Area Network |
| Installation: Easy
LAN setup and installation are easy |
Installation: Moderately Easy
Easy to install than WAN |
Installation: Difficult
It’s difficult to set up and install a WAN computer network. |
| Geographical area of the network: Building
A LAN computer network is restricted to a small area in the same building or on the same campus |
Geographical area of the computer network: City
A MAN computer network is located within the city
|
Geographical area of the computer network: Country, Continent, or World wide coverage
A WAN computer network has wider geographical area coverage of a country, continent, etc. |
| Computer Network Ownership:
Owned by a single organization. |
Computer Network Ownership:
Owned by few organizations |
Computer Network Ownership:
Owned by many organizations and ISPs(Internet Service Providers) |
| Cost: Low
LAN setup and data transmission cost is low |
Cost: Moderate MAN setup and data transmission speed are moderate |
Cost: High
WAN setup and data transmission cost is high. |
| Few data transmission errors occur | Medium data transmission errors occur
|
Data transmission errors are high |
| Speed: High
LAN computer network data transmission rate is high |
Speed: Moderate MAN network data transmission rate is moderate |
Speed: Low
WAN computer network data transmission rate is low |
| In a LAN network computers are physically connected |
In the MAN network computers are physically not connected |
In a WAN network computers are not physically connected |
| Error isolation and maintenance are easy |
Moderate |
Error isolation and maintenance are difficult |
| Network Security risks: Low
Low security risks and concerns |
Network Security risks: High
Security risks and concerns are High |
Network Security risks: High
Security risks and concerns are High |
