Networking Basics: PAN and LAN

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary disadvantage of maintaining a WAN network?

Higher security compared to other networks.

It's easy to troubleshoot issues.

It requires less skilled labor.

More errors and issues due to wide coverage. (correct)

What is the typical coverage area of a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)?

More than 100 km

Less than 1 km

Up to 10 km

Up to 50 km (correct)

Which medium is most commonly used in a MAN for data transmission?

Wireless signals

Optical fibers (correct)

Satellite communication

Copper cables

What benefit does a dual bus configuration in a MAN provide?

Concurrent data transmission in both directions. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network primarily connects devices wirelessly within a localized area?

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using a MAN network?

Higher risk of security breaches. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary operational range of a WLAN?

Limited to houses and offices Signup and view all the answers

Which network type provides excellent support for a large area and greater access to WANs?

MAN Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a Storage Area Network (SAN)?

To manage block-level data storage across various devices Signup and view all the answers

Which type of network is designed specifically for local connections at high speeds between servers and processors?

System Area Network Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does Passive Optical Local Area Network (POLAN) provide in network setup?

Utilizes optical splitters to create multiple signals from one source Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a Home Area Network (HAN)?

Requires three or more interconnected computers within a home Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an Enterprise Private Network (EPN)?

A privately owned network connecting various business locations Signup and view all the answers

Which network connects multiple LANs within a defined geographic area?

Campus Area Network Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

Uses public networks to connect remote users securely Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a function of a Home Area Network?

Establishing high-speed connections between servers Signup and view all the answers

What does PAN stand for in the context of computer networks?

Personal Area Network Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of PAN?

It is restricted to a small area, typically around a single user. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the advantages of using a PAN?

Relatively secure and safe due to its limited range. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenarios is a LAN most commonly used?

For sharing resources in a limited area, such as a home or office. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using a PAN?

Establishes a bad connection with other networks on the same frequency bands. Signup and view all the answers

How many devices typically can a LAN support?

Less than 5000 Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic accurately describes a LAN?

It operates as a private network free from regulatory control. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of device is commonly used within a PAN?

Smartphones and tablets Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of using a Local Area Network (LAN)?

LANs allow sharing of resources like printers and hard disks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

It connects multiple LANs over large distances. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of Local Area Networks (LANs)?

High setup costs associated with the hardware. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of using WAN?

Reduction of overall hardware costs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential security concern for LANs?

Unauthorized users may access sensitive data. Signup and view all the answers

What type of technology is used in WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) connections?

Radio transmitters and receivers built into client devices. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects a drawback of WANs?

High initial setup costs can be a significant barrier. Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of having data stored on a server in a LAN?

Centralized management increases data security. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

PAN (Personal Area Network)

A network formed around a single individual
Includes devices like computers, mobile phones, and personal digital assistants
Allows communication between these devices and connecting to a digital network and the internet
Often wireless (WPAN)
Examples include cordless mice, keyboards, and Bluetooth systems
Advantages:
- Relatively secure and safe
Disadvantages:
- Limited range (up to 10 meters)
- Potential for interference from other networks using the same radio bands

LAN (Local Area Network)

A group of computers and peripheral devices connected in a limited area, such as a home, office, or school
Popular for sharing resources like files, printers, games, and applications
Commonly used as a transmission medium
Consists of less than 5,000 devices spread across multiple buildings
Characteristics:
- Private network not controlled by external regulatory bodies
- Operates at relatively higher speed compared to WAN systems
Advantages:
- Enables resource sharing (hard drives, printers, etc.)
- Reduces hardware costs
- Allows software sharing instead of individual licenses
- Facilitates data transfer and messaging between networked computers
- Centralized data management enhances security
- Shares a single internet connection across multiple users
Disadvantages:
- High initial installation cost
- Limited privacy as the LAN administrator can access personal data files
- Vulnerability to unauthorized access if data is not secure
- Requires continuous administration for software setup and hardware issues

WAN (Wide Area Network)

Spreads across a large geographical area
Often connects LANs using methods like phone lines and radio waves
Typically limited to an enterprise or organization
Characteristics:
- Enables sharing of software files among all users
- Used by organizations to create global integrated networks
Advantages:
- Covers a larger geographical area
- Enables communication for geographically dispersed offices
- Connects devices like mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles
- WLAN connections use radio transmitters and receivers built into client devices
Disadvantages:
- High initial setup costs
- Difficult to maintain
- Requires skilled technicians and network administrators
- Prone to errors due to wide coverage and various technologies
- Requires significant time for issue resolution
- Offers lower security compared to other network types

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

Covers an entire city, college campus, or small region
Larger than a LAN, spanning multiple buildings or sites
Depending on configuration, can cover areas from several miles to tens of miles
Characteristics:
- Typically covers cities and towns up to 50 km in range
- Often uses optical fibers and cables for transmission
- Provides data rates suitable for distributed computing applications
Advantages:
- Enables fast communication through high-speed carriers (e.g., fiber optic cables)
- Supports large networks and greater access to WANs
- Offers simultaneous data transmission in both directions
- Encompasses portions or entire cities
Disadvantages:
- Requires significant cabling for connections
- Maintaining security against hackers can be challenging

Other Network Types

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): Connects devices wirelessly in a limited area (home, office, school)
Storage Area Network (SAN): Allows consolidated, block-level data storage for devices like disk arrays, optical jukeboxes, and tape libraries
System Area Network: Provides high-speed connections between servers and processors in local networks
Passive Optical Local Area Network (POLAN): Integrates into structured cabling, supporting Ethernet protocols and network applications. Uses an optical splitter to create multiple signals from a single optical fiber
Home Area Network (HAN): Connects computers in a home to share files, programs, printers, and peripherals
Enterprise Private Network (EPN): Built and owned by businesses to securely connect multiple locations for resource sharing
Campus Area Network (CAN): Interconnects LANs within a geographical area (like a university campus)
Virtual Private Network (VPN): Uses a public network (internet) to securely connect remote sites or users to an enterprise's private network, providing privacy and security over public WiFi spots.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential concepts of Personal Area Networks (PAN) and Local Area Networks (LAN). It explores their definitions, characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Test your understanding of these fundamental networking types that connect devices within limited areas.