Computer Networks: LAN vs MAN vs WAN

Differences Between WAN and MAN

• WAN (Wide Area Network) covers large geographical areas, such as cities, countries, or continents, while MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) spans a smaller region, typically a single city or campus.

Tunneling in WANs

• Tunneling is used in WANs to encapsulate data packets within a secure tunnel, enabling safe transmission across public and private networks.

Leased Line in WANs

• A leased line is a private telecommunication line that provides dedicated bandwidth and consistent connectivity between two points in a WAN, typically used by organizations for reliable communication.

WiMAX in MANs

• WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a wireless broadband technology in MANs, offering high-speed internet access across a metropolitan area.

Connecting Multiple LANs in WAN

• Routers and gateways connect multiple Local Area Networks (LANs) within a WAN to facilitate data exchange and communication.

CAN in Computer Networks

• CAN (Campus Area Network) refers to a network that connects multiple LANs within a limited geographical area, such as a university campus.

Fault Tolerance in WAN

• WANs exhibit redundancy and diversity in their infrastructure, allowing for alternative data routing in case of failures, enhancing overall reliability.

Internet Speed in WAN

• Internet speeds in WANs can significantly vary based on the technology used, ranging from several Mbps to Gbps.

Propagation Delay in WAN

• WANs may experience higher propagation delays due to the distance involved in data transmission across large geographical areas.

Congestion Level in WAN

• WANs can experience congestion depending on the volume of data traffic and the capacity of the network infrastructure.

Ownership of WAN

• WANs can be owned by various entities, including private corporations, governments, telecommunications companies, and even multiple organizations collaborating.

Scope of WAN

• WANs provide extensive coverage and connectivity, interlinking numerous LANs, MANs, and other networks across vast distances.

Main Purpose of Tunneling in Networking

• Tunneling enables the secure transmission of data over potentially insecure networks by establishing an encrypted pathway.

Networks Securely Using VPN Connections

• WANs often use Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections to enhance security and privacy for data transmitted over public networks.

IPsec in VPNs

• IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) is a suite of protocols used to secure Internet Protocol (IP) communications, providing encryption and authentication for VPNs.

Difference Between Encrypted and Unencrypted Tunneling

• Encrypted tunneling connections safeguard data privacy through encryption, while unencrypted connections send data in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception.

Network Spanning Large Geographical Area

• The term for a network that spans a large geographical area, connecting multiple countries, is a WAN (Wide Area Network).

Advantages of VPN Connections Between WANs

• The primary advantage of using VPN connections between WANs includes enhanced security, protecting data from unauthorized access during transmission.