Pre-requisites: Difference between LAN, MAN, and WAN
A computer network is a system that connects numerous independent computers in order to share information (data) and resources. In this article, we will see the advantages and disadvantages of LAN, MAN, and WAN.
Advantages of LAN
- Simple and reasonable cost: The primary benefit of the local area network is that is immediate and easy to set up and also its price is minimum.
- Accessing of software program: With the help of LAN, software programs are also shared. You can incorporate a single licensed program that can be used by any device on a network. It is very costly to buy a license for every device on a network, consequently sharing software is a simple and straightforward way.
- Data protection: Data protection is a safe and secure way to keep information on the server. Here if you wish to update or eliminate any data, you can do so rapidly on a single server computer and other devices are obtain to new information.
- Fast communication: LAN-connected system to communicate directly at very high speed, based on the LAN model and installed ethernet cabling. The most prevalent enabled speed is 10Mbps, 100Mbps, and 1000Mbps.
Disadvantages of LAN
- Limited distance: Local area networks are used only in buildings or apartment complexes it cannot be occupied in bigger areas.
- Information security issue created: If the server equipment is not programmed correctly then unapproved users can retrieve data and there is a technical mistake. There arise issues like server privacy.
- Installing LAN is expensive: It is expensive to establish a LAN. Here specialized software is essential to install a server. Communication hardware such as hubs, switches, routers, and cables are expensive to buy.
- Data sharing via outside source: It is difficult and time-consuming to send files from outside the network since transportable media like pen drives and CDs cannot be easily performed on all devices on the network.
- Limited scalability: LANs are limited in terms of the number of devices that can be connected to them. As the number of devices increases, the network can become slow and congested.
- Single point of failure: LANs typically have a single point of failure, such as a central server. If this server fails, the entire network can go down.
- Maintenance and management: LANs require regular maintenance and management to ensure optimal performance. This can be time-consuming and costly.
Advantages of MAN
- Security: MAN provides more security as compared to WAN and it is easy to implement.
- Distance occupies: MAN is occupied more distance as compared to LAN i.e. It is wider than LAN.
- Less expensive: MAN implementation cost is less than WAN because MAN requires fewer resources as compared to WAN. It saves implementation costs.
- High speed: Man has a high speed of data transfer because MAN often uses fiber optics cables that are capable of offering speeds up to 1000Mbps.
- Centralized management: MANs can be centrally managed, making it easier to monitor and control network traffic.
- Cost-effective: Compared to WANs, MANs are more cost-effective to implement and maintain.
- Scalability: MANs can be easily scaled up or down to meet changing business needs.
- Improved communication: MANs can improve communication within organizations by allowing for faster and more efficient sharing of data and resources.
Disadvantages of MAN
- The problem of less security: It is difficult to secure the system from hackers because of the large area. This is mainly due to safety issues.
- Wire required: more cables are required to connect MAN from one place to another. MAN requires fiber optics cables which are quite expensive.
- Technical assistance: Here, skilled technicians and administrators are required. This can overall increase the installation cost.
- Difficult to manage: MAN consumes a large area then there is difficult to manage a large network, Here is a chance of attacking hackers on the network. Data can be secured but it needs experienced staff and security tools.
Advantages of WAN
- Large area coverage: WAN covers a large geographical area(1000 km or more than). Ex. If your business office is situated in another country and you live in another country then WAN is a platform to communicate with each other(i.e. you and your office staff members).
- Higher bandwidth: WAN networks usually cover large geographical areas. Ex.1000 km or more than the wide area network has higher bandwidth than LAN and MAN networks.
- Centralized data: Using the WAN network you can share the data connected to all the devices in the respective network. Ex. By using the WAN network, all branches are capable to share all data through the head office server and you can get support, full backup, and other precious data from the head office, and all data gets synchronized along with all other company branches.
- Message Exchange: With the help of the Internet Of Things (IoT) and LAN, a sudden growth of WAN-based devices can be seen. This communication via message can be done fastest with the help of the most popular apps like messenger and WhatsApp.
Disadvantages of WAN
- Security issue: WAN faces more security problems than LAN and MAN networks due to WAN networks more technologies are merged. It can open a security gap, which paves the way of occurring malicious attacks and identity intruders.
- Installation cost: WANs are default complex and complicated because of large geographical area coverage. Hence there is a set-up cost in expensive WAN that also needs routers, switches, and other security solutions.
- Troubleshooting issues: Troubleshoot the big challenge on the WAN network and it requires more time. If any issue occurs in the computer network then it is the most difficult part to find out the proper cause due to their broad coverage area.
- Maintenance issues: In a WAN network, it is difficult to maintain the network especially a data center that operates 24/7 is the biggest challenge out of all. Here 24/7 needs assistance from network administrators and technicians. In a WAN, maintenance cost is high.
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