LAN, MAN, WAN Diagram: How These Networks Interconnect
Whenever we discuss computer networks, we are familiar with the names LAN, MAN, and WAN. These are the three basic types of networks that describe how devices interact on various scales--from a single office to a whole globe. To better describe LAN, MAN, and WAN, we must examine their definitions, distinctions, and real-life applications.
In this UniNets blog, we are going to see the LAN, MAN, WAN diagram, how these work together, and how networking concepts like the TCP protocol, TCP connection, hubs, and bridges relate to current-day IT infrastructure. This information will be useful if you are learning Linux courses or taking Linux training since you'll know how computer networks operate in real-time environments.
LAN, MAN, WAN Definition
Let's start with the LAN, MAN, WAN definition:
LAN (Local Area Network):
A LAN is an in-house network of small scale like home, office, or campus. It links servers, printers, and computers.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network):
A MAN spans a wider geographical area than a LAN, typically a metropolitan city or region. It has several LANs connected to it.
WAN (Wide Area Network):
A WAN covers countries and continents. The Internet itself is the biggest WAN out there.
If you glance at a diagram of LAN, MAN, WAN, you'll see how LANs plug into MANs, and MANs connect to become WANs.
Define LAN, MAN, WAN with Examples
LAN Example: Your office network linking employee computers and printers.
MAN Example: A city government offices networked via fiber optics.
WAN Example: An international enterprise network or the Internet.
These networks are supplementary. An organization can employ LAN in its local offices, interlink those offices through a MAN, and link with international offices through a WAN network.
It is important for students of networking to realize the difference between LAN, MAN, and WAN:
LAN: High speed, small area, low price.
MAN: Medium speed, city-wide coverage.
WAN: Lower speed than LAN, worldwide coverage, high price.
When students in Linux training examine networks, they tend to compare such differences and exercise designing network structures that employ all three.
How LAN, MAN, WAN Work with TCP Protocol
As much as network types determine where communication occurs, the TCP protocol determines how data is sent.
The TCP protocol (Transmission Control Protocol) is employed over LAN, MAN, and WAN networks for reliable communication. It functions by opening a TCP connection between two devices before data exchange.
A TCP connection employs a three-way handshake (SYN, SYN-ACK, ACK).
After the handshake, you have an established TCP connection.
This ensures that data is delivered to its destination without any errors.
So whether you’re sending files within a LAN or accessing cloud servers via a WAN, TCP in computer networks ensures accuracy and reliability.
Diagram of LAN, MAN, WAN and TCP
In a typical diagram of LAN, MAN, and WAN:
LANs use TCP to handle communication between local devices like PCs and servers.
MANs connect multiple LANs and use TCP to ensure smooth inter-office communication across a city.
WANs are dependent a lot on TCP in networking to achieve world-wide reliability on the Internet.
This illustrates how TCP is the foundation for all forms of network architecture.
What is Hub in Network?
When studying networking fundamentals, understanding devices such as hubs is also essential.
What is Hub?
A hub is an easy networking device employed to connect a group of computers in a LAN.
What is Hub in Computer Network?
It takes information from a single device and sends it out to all the others.
While hubs in computer networks are no longer as prevalent because of switches, they are still taught in Linux courses to learn how old LAN networks worked.
Multiple computers can talk with a hub, but reliability rests upon higher-level protocols such as TCP in networking.
Bridge in Networking and Its Role
Another essential device is the bridge in networking.
What is a Bridge in Computer Network?
A bridge connects two different LAN segments and reduces unnecessary traffic.
Bridge in Networking Devices:
Unlike hubs, bridges are smarter because they filter traffic and forward data only where needed.
By combining a bridge in computer networks with TCP connections, organizations ensure smoother communication within and across LAN, MAN, and WAN networks.
Linux Training and Hands-On Networking
At UniNets, our Linux training and Linux courses are not limited to commands and system administration. We also educate students to:
Configure TCP connections for Linux systems.
Know and dissect an established TCP connection using tools such as Wireshark.
simulate network designs on the basis of LAN, MAN, and WAN examples.
Interact with devices such as hubs and bridges in network labs.
All this hands-on experience is what makes IT professionals capable of handling real-world networks efficiently.
Real World Usage of LAN, MAN, WAN and TCP
LAN in Offices: Workers exchange files and printers using LANs.
MAN in Universities: Several campuses of a city linked by a MAN.
WAN in Enterprises: International firms use WAN to network offices globally.
TCP in Networking: Provides secure email, web surfing, and video conferencing on all types of networks.
Hubs and Bridges: Though outdated, they paved the way for sophisticated networking devices used even today.
Conclusion
The LAN, MAN, WAN diagram illustrates how networks of various types function in tandem to facilitate local, regional, and global communication. Understanding LAN, MAN, WAN definition, their differences, and how they interact, you lay a solid networking foundation.
Concurrently, protocols such as the TCP protocol provide reliability through established TCP connections on any type of network. Equipment such as hubs and bridges in networking equipment also contributes towards establishing and maintaining connections.
At UniNets, our Linux course and Linux training give you hands-on exposure to LAN, MAN, WAN networks, TCP in computer networks, and actual networking hardware. With hands-on labs, you don't simply comprehend diagrams—you acquire skills to efficiently manage and optimize IT infrastructure.
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