According to data from Cisco, global IP traffic will hit the zettabyte-per-year mark by 2016, and increase another 60% by 2018. What’s more, the number of devices connected to networks is predicted to almost double the world’s population in the same time frame. The result? Companies have a vested interest when it comes to finding the best network – one that balances the need for speed and access against security and compliance. Go looking, and you’ll find a host of options: Everything from local area network to wide area network, metro area network and even wireless local area network. What do all these terms mean, and what’s the difference? Is there a “best” choice for your business?
Local area network
As noted by Techopedia, LANs are designed to cover a small area, usually an office or home. LAN networks are now based on Ethernet technology; older versions used NetVBEUI, IPX and token ring but they were phased out in favor of Ethernet’s open technology standards. Setting up a wired LAN is straightforward: Twisted-pair cables are connected to RJ-45 ports, which supply a link to the Internet at large. Next, these cables are connected to a router, which uses Ethernet cables to link multiple computers. This method is fast and reliable, since new Ethernet initiatives allow transfer speeds of up to 400 gigabits per second, although most land around the 10 Gbps mark.
It’s also possible to create a wireless LAN, using a wireless router that broadcasts signals using IEEE 802.11b/g/n/a/c standards. Computers, laptops and mobile devices equipped with wireless modem technology can connect to WLANs and access the Internet and, with the right permissions, other computers on the same network. It’s worth noting that even newer wireless standards — such as 802.11ac can only reach up to 1.3 Gbps and these connections require greater security oversight to ensure malicious actors cannot gain access. The combination LAN/WLAN, however, is rapidly becoming the go-to choice for many small companies.
Metropolitan area network
Need a larger network? Try a MAN. Once the province of city governments and other municipal organizations, these networks can connect multiple LANs across a city or multiple cities to form a cohesive whole. While the equipment required for these networks goes beyond a simple Ethernet connection, they’re often cost-effective for enterprises that need to link several office sites. There are a number of ways to enable this connection, such as through microwave technology or by using buried fiber-optic cables. In most cases, companies rent rather than purchase this distribution technology since it is expensive to install and maintain.
Wide area network
WANs are just what they sound like: Large-scale networks that are a step up from LANs or MANs. The largest WAN in use is the Internet, which is made up of multiple smaller networks across the globe. There is no single standard used to define how “wide” a network must be before it is considered a WAN – they may span multiple buildings, cities or countries. WANs can be created using fiber-optic cables laid over great distances, but this can quickly get expensive. Another solution is going wireless and using either microwave or infrared technology to establish connections. Going wireless is now extremely common; 3G and 4G mobile networks are both examples of wireless WAN networks with hundreds of millions of subscribers.
Personal area network
The smallest of any network, this comprises the devices used by a single person or in a small room, and might include headsets, printers, mobile devices and computers. Typically, these devices are connected using a Wi-Fi network to maximize link stability.
Which network is right for your company? It depends on your needs and budget. LANs are great for small offices and startups, while MANs offer the ability to connect multiple sites in a single city or larger metropolitan area. Finally, WANs are ideal for companies that need a unified solution that works from coast to coast or cross-border.
Sheldon Smith is the senior product manager for Virginia-based XO Communications. Smith has over 10 years of department and process management experience, and manages a portfolio for XO consisting of over $50 million in reoccurring revenue.
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