ARCHIVED: What is the difference between a LAN, a MAN, and a WAN?

  A LAN (local area network) is a group of

  computers and network devices connected together, usually within the

  same building. By definition, the connections must be high speed and

  relatively inexpensive (e.g., token ring or

  Ethernet). Most Indiana University Bloomington departments

  are on LANs.

  A LAN connection is a high-speed connection to a LAN. On the IUB

  campus, most connections are either Ethernet (10 Mbps) or Fast Ethernet

  (100 Mbps), and a few locations have Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps)

  connections.

  A MAN (metropolitan area network) is a larger network

  that usually spans several buildings in the same city or town. The IUB

  network is an example of a MAN.

  A WAN (wide area network), in comparison to a

  MAN, is not

  restricted to a geographical location, although it might be confined

  within the bounds of a state or country. A WAN connects several

  LANs, and may be limited to an enterprise (a corporation or an

  organization) or accessible to the public. The technology is

  high speed and relatively expensive. The Internet is

  an example of a worldwide public WAN.

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