Network Topology

Difference between Bus, Star and Ring Topology

Differentiate between LAN, MAN & WAN

Criteria	LAN	MAN	WAN
AREA OF COVERAGE	Network cover limited geographical area such as closely positioned group of buildings network, network at home, network inside computer laboratory and network in office building.	A high speed network that connects Local Area Networks in a Metropolitan Area such as a cities or town.	Network cover large geographical area such as countries, the  continents or the world
SPEED	Fastest in data transferring and access time	Slower in data transferring and access time	Slowest in data transferring and access time
EXAMPLES	-Network inside the computer lab                  - Network around school -Network inside your home	-Surveillance system -Traffic light monitoring system. - Cable Network TV	-Car Navigation System -Video conference -Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)
COMMUNICATION DEVICES	- Connected using modems, hubs, switch, router	-Connected using modems, hubs, switch, router	-the communication is made via satellite communication on link or via internet
COST	Less costly setup and maintenance	More costly setup and maintenance	Costliest setup and maintenance
Network Ownership	Private – owned, controlled and manage by a single person or organization	Private - owned and operated by a single entity such as a government or large corporation	Not owned up any one organization but exist under collective or distributed ownership
NETWORK SIZE	Small size (in a building)	Larger size (in a cities or campus)	Largest size (different states or countries)