Submitted by whatever8705 on 05/04/2011 09:30 PM Flag This Paper
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1. What are the main differences between a local area network and a wide area
network?
Answer: The main differences between a local area network and a wide area network are a local area network, are a wide area network includes both data network aka internet and voice networks aka phone systems. This is different than Local Area Networks because they only have data networks usually. Wide Area Networks (WAN) can connect to over thousands of devices so that anyone can transfer data to anyone else in the network. It also covers large distances including the entire earth. A LAN (local area network) Does not and covers a very limited range and amount of devices.
2. How does a metropolitan area network differ from a wide area network? How are
they similar?
Answer: A metropolitan area network differs from a wide area network in the following ways. The metropolitan area network spans over cities or metropolitan areas while wide area networks span much further in distance. The biggest difference however is that MAN topologies are based on a ring. They move in a ring patter that the other networks do not so for them the ring fashion is displayed in how data is passed and also where the network and switches are.
3. What is meant by failover time?
Answer: Failover time is the speed at which a failover is performed. A failover is the ability to reroute the network in event of a failure leading the network traffic to a different location from that of the failed component.
4. What are the two types of technology that support metropolitan area networks?
Answer: The two types of technology that support metropolitan area networks are SONET and Ethernet. SONET is a synchronous time division multiplexing technique that is capable of sending data at hundreds of millions of bits per second. While Ethernet is a less expensive alternative it is better understood fast and the best technology for carrying IP traffic but sadly has a higher failover time than SONET....