Difference between LAN, MAN and WAN
Last Updated :
12 Jul, 2025
LAN, MAN, and WAN are different types of computer networks that connect devices over different areas. A LAN (Local Area Network) is a small network that covers a small area, like a home, office, or school. It lets devices like computers and printers share information quickly in that small space. A MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) is bigger than a LAN and covers a city or large campus. It connects several smaller networks in that area.
A WAN (Wide Area Network) is the biggest type, covering very large areas like countries or even the whole world. The internet is the most famous example of a WAN. Each type of network gets bigger in size and area covered, from LAN to MAN to WAN.
What is LAN?
LAN stands for local area network. It is a group of network devices that allow communication between various connected devices. Private ownership has control over the local area network rather than the public. LAN has a shorter propagation delay than MAN as well as WAN. It covers smaller areas such as colleges, schools, hospitals, and so on.
What is MAN?
MAN stands for metropolitan area network. It covers a larger area than LAN such as small towns, cities, etc. MAN connects two or more computers that reside within the same or completely different cities. MAN is expensive and should or might not be owned by one organization.
What is WAN?
WAN stands for wide area network. It covers a large area than LAN as well as a MAN such as country/continent etc. WAN is expensive and should or might not be owned by one organization. PSTN or satellite medium is used for wide area networks.
Difference between LAN, MAN, and WANDifferences Between LAN, MAN, and WAN
| Basis | LAN | MAN | WAN |
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| Full-Form | LAN stands for local area network. | MAN stands for metropolitan area network. | WAN stands for wide area network. |
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| Geographic Span | Operates in small areas such as the same building or campus. | Operates in large areas such as a city. | Operates in larger areas such as country or continent. |
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| Ownership | LAN’s ownership is private. | MAN’s ownership can be private or public. | While WAN also might not be owned by one organization. |
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| Transmission Speed | The transmission speed of a LAN is high. | While the transmission speed of a MAN is average. | Whereas the transmission speed of a WAN is low. |
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| Propagation delay | The propagation delay is short in a LAN. | There is a moderate propagation delay in a MAN. | Whereas, there is a long propagation delay in a WAN. |
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| Congestion | There is less congestion in LAN. | While there is more congestion in MAN. | Whereas there is more congestion than MAN in WAN. |
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| Design & Maintenance | LAN’s design and maintenance are easy. | While MAN’s design and maintenance are difficult than LAN. | Whereas WAN’s design and maintenance are also difficult than LAN as well MAN. |
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| Fault tolerance | There is more fault tolerance in LAN. | While there is less fault tolerance. | In WAN, there is also less fault tolerance. |
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Conclusion
LAN, MAN, and WAN are different sizes of computer networks. LAN is for small areas like homes or offices. MAN covers bigger areas like cities. WAN is the biggest, covering large regions or the whole world. These networks help connect devices and share information over different distances. The main difference between them is the size of the area they cover and how many devices they can connect.
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