Types of Networks
LAN
LAN stands for Local Area Network and it is a network that enables the connectivity of computers and devices confined within a small geographical area such as a building, college/school, or a group of buildings. The network consists of computers and peripheral devices connected to each other that connect to a local domain server. Above is an image illustrating the networking of LAN, it shows a server(s) as the central, and all the other peripheral devices, desktops, and laptops are all connected through the server. So each computer is linked to the central server.
Characteristics
LAN includes the following characteristics;
Networking Hardware
A networking hardware is a switch that allows a computer to communicate …show more content…
You can see that there are multiple LANs (Local Area Networks) that makes up a larger area network known as WAN.
Advantages and Disadvantages of WAN
Advantages
Below are the advantages for establishing a WAN;
• Increases bandwidth
The formation of a WANSs backbone is by using leased lines instead of a broadband network connection which offers a greater upload speed, whereby a broadband connection has a lower upload speed.
• Boosts privacy
When setting up a WAN, you can share sensitive or important data and information without having to send the information over the internet. When sending data over a network, a WAN encrypts the information before it is sent, thus adding a protection layer for any confidential or sensitive material that might need to be transferred. This prevents hackers and unauthorised users from trying to steal or access your data.
• Integrates IT infrastructure
You only have to set up one email or file server at your head office’s data centre, which eliminates the need to buy an email or file server for each office. In addition, setting up a WAN allows IT resources to be accessed by more than one person in a company from all over the word. This can be a huge advantage for companies and …show more content…
Disadvantages
• Cost
Setting up a MAN is very expensive
• More cables are required for a MAN connection set up from one place to another
• Security
As MAN is used over a large geographical area, the possibility of hackers accessing the network is very likely, thus making files and data vulnerable.
• A large network like MAN requires a lot of management, which can be very difficult with a big network.
Frame Relay, ATM, MPLS
Frame Relay
Frame relay is a packet-switching protocol used to connect devices on a Wide Area Network (WAN), and constant traffic transmissions between Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs).
ATM
ATM stands for Asynchronous Transfer Mode and it transfers data in packets or cells of a fixed size. ATM allows the transmission of computer data, video, and audio via a single network in real time.
MPLS
MPLS stands for Multiprotocol Label Switching is a type of service/data that is used to speed up traffic flow, thus making it easier to manage and maintain the
LAN
LAN stands for Local Area Network and it is a network that enables the connectivity of computers and devices confined within a small geographical area such as a building, college/school, or a group of buildings. The network consists of computers and peripheral devices connected to each other that connect to a local domain server. Above is an image illustrating the networking of LAN, it shows a server(s) as the central, and all the other peripheral devices, desktops, and laptops are all connected through the server. So each computer is linked to the central server.
Characteristics
LAN includes the following characteristics;
Networking Hardware
A networking hardware is a switch that allows a computer to communicate …show more content…
You can see that there are multiple LANs (Local Area Networks) that makes up a larger area network known as WAN.
Advantages and Disadvantages of WAN
Advantages
Below are the advantages for establishing a WAN;
• Increases bandwidth
The formation of a WANSs backbone is by using leased lines instead of a broadband network connection which offers a greater upload speed, whereby a broadband connection has a lower upload speed.
• Boosts privacy
When setting up a WAN, you can share sensitive or important data and information without having to send the information over the internet. When sending data over a network, a WAN encrypts the information before it is sent, thus adding a protection layer for any confidential or sensitive material that might need to be transferred. This prevents hackers and unauthorised users from trying to steal or access your data.
• Integrates IT infrastructure
You only have to set up one email or file server at your head office’s data centre, which eliminates the need to buy an email or file server for each office. In addition, setting up a WAN allows IT resources to be accessed by more than one person in a company from all over the word. This can be a huge advantage for companies and …show more content…
Disadvantages
• Cost
Setting up a MAN is very expensive
• More cables are required for a MAN connection set up from one place to another
• Security
As MAN is used over a large geographical area, the possibility of hackers accessing the network is very likely, thus making files and data vulnerable.
• A large network like MAN requires a lot of management, which can be very difficult with a big network.
Frame Relay, ATM, MPLS
Frame Relay
Frame relay is a packet-switching protocol used to connect devices on a Wide Area Network (WAN), and constant traffic transmissions between Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs).
ATM
ATM stands for Asynchronous Transfer Mode and it transfers data in packets or cells of a fixed size. ATM allows the transmission of computer data, video, and audio via a single network in real time.
MPLS
MPLS stands for Multiprotocol Label Switching is a type of service/data that is used to speed up traffic flow, thus making it easier to manage and maintain the