LAN (Local Area Network) is a data communication network that locally connects network devices such as workstations, servers, routers, etc. to share the resources within a small area such as a building or campus. Physical or wireless connections are set up between workstations to share the resources

What is metropolitan area network?

A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a large computer network on the large geographical area that includes several buildings or even the entire city (metropolis). The geographical area of the MAN is larger than LAN, but smaller than WAN. MAN includes many communicating devices and provides the Internet connectivity for the LANs in the metropolitan area.

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.