LANs and WANs: Geographical Coverage and Network Topologies

WANs typically require cheaper hardware and implementation procedures compared to LANs.

In a bus topology, systems connect to the backbone using T connectors or taps.

One of the disadvantages of a bus topology is that a break in the cable will only prevent the affected system from accessing the network.

In a LAN, the geographical coverage is limited to a single location, such as an office building or school.

In a ring topology, data travels in a linear fashion from one computer to another on the network.

Token Ring has a multi-station access unit (MSAU) which is equivalent to a hub or switch.

In a ring network, a single break in the cable can disrupt the entire network.

Star Topology is most widely implemented and requires each device to connect to a central device called a hub or switch.

Mesh Topology provides redundant paths between devices and requires less cable than other LAN topologies.

Wireless networking eliminates cable faults and cable breaks but may have signal interference and security issues.