LAN, WAN, WLAN, MAN, CAN, PAN
Nerd Cafe
1. LAN (Local Area Network)
Definition
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects devices within a small geographic area, such as a home, office, or building.
Key Characteristics
Covers small geographic areas (e.g., one office, one building, or a campus).
Provides high-speed data transfer (typically 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps).
Uses Ethernet cables (wired) or Wi-Fi (wireless).
Generally managed by a single organization.
Common LAN Devices
Switch – Connects multiple devices within a LAN.
Router – Connects LAN to the internet or other networks.
Access Point (AP) – Extends LAN connectivity wirelessly.
Practical Implementation
Wired LAN Setup
Use an Ethernet switch to interconnect devices.
Assign IP addresses to each device (either manually or via DHCP).
Use a router to connect to the internet.
Wireless LAN Setup
Install a wireless access point (AP).
Configure the SSID (Service Set Identifier) and Wi-Fi security (e.g., WPA3).
Connect devices to the AP using the correct Wi-Fi credentials.
Use Cases
Office networks
Home networks
School networks
2. WAN (Wide Area Network)
Definition
A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that covers a large geographic area, connecting multiple LANs over long distances.
Key Characteristics
Covers large geographic areas (e.g., cities, countries, even globally).
Lower speed compared to LANs (typically 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps).
Uses public and private communication links like fiber optics, satellite, leased lines.
Requires routers to connect multiple LANs.
Common WAN Technologies
Leased Line (T1/E1, T3/E3, MPLS)
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Frame Relay
Metro Ethernet
Satellite Internet
Practical Implementation
Using a Router for WAN Connection
Connect the LAN to an ISP's modem or fiber connection.
Configure the router to obtain an IP address via DHCP or static configuration.
Enable security features like firewall and VPN.
Connecting Two LANs via VPN
Set up a VPN tunnel between two LANs over the internet.
Use IPSec or SSL VPN for security.
Use Cases
Connecting branch offices to a corporate headquarters.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) providing access to users.
Multinational companies managing global connectivity.
3. WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
Definition
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a type of LAN that uses Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet cables.
Key Characteristics
Uses radio waves (Wi-Fi) instead of wired cables.
Covers a small to medium area (e.g., a home, office, or coffee shop).
Speed ranges from 54 Mbps (802.11g) to several Gbps (802.11ax – Wi-Fi 6E).
Common WLAN Standards
802.11g
2.4 GHz
54 Mbps
802.11n
2.4/5 GHz
600 Mbps
802.11ac
5 GHz
1.3 Gbps
802.11ax
2.4/5/6 GHz
9.6 Gbps
Practical Implementation
Setting up a WLAN
Install a wireless router or access point.
Configure the SSID and enable security (WPA3 encryption).
Set up MAC filtering for additional security.
Extending WLAN Coverage
Use Wi-Fi extenders or mesh Wi-Fi systems.
Use Cases
Home Wi-Fi networks
Public Wi-Fi hotspots (cafes, airports)
Enterprise Wi-Fi networks in offices
4. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
Definition
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a network that spans a city or large campus.
Key Characteristics
Larger than a LAN, but smaller than a WAN.
Covers areas like a university campus, city, or metropolitan area.
Uses fiber-optic cables or microwave links.
Can be privately owned (e.g., by a company) or managed by an ISP.
Common MAN Technologies
Metro Ethernet
Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)
Wireless MAN (WiMAX)
Practical Implementation
Connecting Multiple LANs in a City
Use fiber-optic cables to link buildings.
Implement MPLS or Metro Ethernet for interconnection.
Wireless MAN Setup
Deploy WiMAX base stations across a city.
Provide broadband access to residents and businesses.
Use Cases
City-wide public Wi-Fi networks.
University campus networks.
ISP infrastructure connecting fiber-optic internet to buildings.
5. CAN (Campus Area Network)
Definition
A Campus Area Network (CAN) is a network covering multiple buildings in a limited geographic area.
Key Characteristics
Covers a university, industrial park, or corporate headquarters.
Uses fiber optics, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi.
Can include multiple LANs interconnected.
Practical Implementation
Using Fiber-Optic Backbone
Use fiber-optic cables to connect multiple buildings.
Deploy Ethernet switches and routers for distribution.
Implementing Secure Access
Use VLANs (Virtual LANs) to segment the network.
Deploy firewalls and access controls.
Use Cases
University networks connecting different departments.
Corporate office networks spanning multiple buildings.
Industrial networks in factories.
6. PAN (Personal Area Network)
Definition
A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a small-scale network used for personal devices.
Key Characteristics
Covers a very short range (typically 1-10 meters).
Uses Bluetooth, NFC, USB, or Zigbee.
Supports low-power wireless communication.
Common PAN Technologies
Bluetooth (e.g., headsets, smartwatches)
Near Field Communication (NFC) (e.g., contactless payments)
Zigbee (e.g., smart home automation)
Practical Implementation
Bluetooth Pairing
Enable Bluetooth on both devices.
Pair devices by entering a PIN code.
Transfer files or stream audio wirelessly.
Using NFC for Contactless Payments
Tap an NFC-enabled card on a payment terminal.
Secure transactions using encryption.
Use Cases
Smartwatches syncing with smartphones.
Wireless headphones and Bluetooth speakers.
Smart home IoT devices.
Conclusion
LAN
Small area (office/home)
Office networks, home networks
WAN
Large area (country/world)
Internet, multinational company networks
WLAN
Wireless LAN
Home Wi-Fi, public hotspots
MAN
City-wide
City-wide Wi-Fi, university networks
CAN
Campus/building cluster
University, corporate networks
PAN
Personal space
Bluetooth, NFC, IoT devices
Keywords
LAN, WAN, WLAN, MAN, CAN, PAN, network types, local area network, wide area network, wireless LAN, metropolitan area network, campus area network, personal area network, network topology, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, fiber optic, router, switch, VPN, network security,نتورک پلاس
Last updated