Page 21 - M. Abrahim Thesis

Computer Network 2021

• Operate within a limited geographic area

• Allow many users to access high-bandwidth media
• Provide full-time connectivity to local services
• Connect physically adjacent devices

Some common LAN technologies are:

• Ethernet

• Token Ring
• FDDI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCj2HDOd_Mk

2.4.2 Wide-Area Networks (WANs)

WANs interconnect LANs, which then provide access to computers or file servers in
other locations. Because WANs connect user networks over a large geographic area, as shown
in Figure 2-2, they make it possible for businesses to communicate across great distances.

Figure 2-2 shown a WAN Hierarchy

Using WANs allows computers, printers, and other devices on a LAN to share and be
shared with distant locations. WANs provide instant communications across large geographic
areas. The ability to send an instant message (IM) to someone anywhere in the world provides
the same communication capabilities that used to be possible only if people were in the same
physical office. Collaboration software provides access to real-time information and resources
that allow meetings to be held remotely instead of in person. Wide-area networking has also
created a new class of workers called telecommuters—people who never have to leave home
to go to work.

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