A 

personal area network (PAN) is a computer network used

for communication among computer devices, including telephones and personal digital assistants, in
proximity to an individual's body. The devices may or may not belong to the person in question. The
reach of a PAN is typically a few meters. PANs can be used for communication among the personal
devices themselves (intrapersonal communication), or for connecting to a higher level network and
the Internet (an uplink).

Personal area networks may be wired with computer buses such as USB and FireWire. A wireless

personal area network (WPAN) can also be made possible with wireless network technologies such
as IrDA, Bluetooth, UWB, Z-Wave and ZigBee

A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a large computer network that usually spans a city or a large

campus. A MAN usually interconnects a number of local area networks (LANs) using a high-capacity
backbone technology, such as fiber-optical links, and provides up-link services to wide area
networks (or WAN) and the Internet.

The IEEE 802-2001 standard describes a MAN as being[1]:

A MAN is optimized for a larger geographical area than a LAN, ranging from several blocks of
“ buildings to entire cities. MANs can also depend on communications channels of moderate-to-
high data rates. A MAN might be owned and operated by a single organization, but it usually will
be used by many individuals and organizations. MANs might also be owned and operated as
public utilities. They will often provide means for internetworking of local networks. ”
Authors Kenneth C. Laudon and Jane P. Laudon(2001) of Management Information Systems:
Managing the Digital Firm 10th ed. define a metropolitan area network as:

A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a large computer network that spans a metropolitan area or
“ campus. Its geographic scope falls between a WAN and LAN. MANs provide Internet connectivity for
LANs in a metropolitan region, and connect them to wider area networks like the Internet
Question 8
Layer 1 = physical layer
Define the mecanisme for communicating with the transmission media and interface hardware.
Layer 2 = data link layer
Validates the integrity of the flow of data.
Layer 3 =network layer
Defines the protocols for data routing to ensure that information arrives at the correct destination.
Layer 4 = transport layer
Defines the protocol for structuring message.
Layer 5 =session layer
Coordinates communications and maintains the session for as long as needed including security and
log on function
Layer 6 = presentation layer
Defines the way data is formatted, converted and encoded.
Layer 7 = application layer
Defines the way that applications programs such as e-mail interact with the network.