7. How do local area networks (LANs) differ from metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), and backbone networks (BNs)? Local area network, as defined in our textbook, is a “group of computers located in the same area,” (Fitzgerald & Dennis, 2012. p13). LANs are a type of network usually implemented within an office, school or home environment where groups of computers are located close to each other or in a small geographic area. Therefore, client computers are interconnected via a switch to access another network, server, then a router that accesses the Internet. LANs use hardware such as Ethernet cables, network cards, wireless access points, switches, and routers. Therefore, when LANs are interconnected even if they are geographically separated and span 3 to 30 miles but are still within the city, they form a type of network called Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). Large universities, school districts, and more use this type of network. Additionally, when LANs, MANs, and BNs that span across state, national, and international boundaries are interconnected, they form a type of network called a Wide Area Network (WAN). The Internet is the largest WAN, existing under collective or distributed ownership and management (Mitchell, n.d.). WANs use technologies such as ATM, Frame Relay, and X.25 for connectivity over long distances (Fitzgerald & Dennis, 2012. p319). The interconnection of different organization networks such as LAN, MAN, BN and WAN requires a backbone network (BN) ) which uses hardware devices such as switches, routes...... middle of paper ......zation ( ISO) and the International Telecommunication Union – Telecommunications Group (ITU-T). According to our textbook “ISO provides technical recommendations on data communication interfaces while ITU-T is an international organization that establishes communication standards worldwide” (Fitzgerald & Dennis, 2012. pp 23 and 562). Therefore, ISO deals with data communications standards while ITU-T relies more on standard recommendations for telecommunications groups such as postal telephones and telegraphs (PTTs) and other common operators. Works Cited Fitzgerald, J. & Dennis, A. (2012). Enterprise data communications and networks (11th edition). John Wiley and Sons, Inc. By Bradley Mitchell, B. (n.d.). Introduction to network types: LAN, WAN and other area networks. Retrieved January 11, 2014, from http://compnetworking.about.com/od/basicnetworkingconcepts/a/network_types.htm