Networks

CAN: A campus area network (CAN) is a network of multiple interconnected local area networks (LAN) in a limited geographical area. A CAN is smaller than a wide area network (WAN) or metropolitan area network (MAN). A CAN is also known as a corporate area network (CAN).

LAN: (Local Area Network as listed in our computer terms page) A group of computers that share a common connection and are usually in a small area or even in the same building. For example an office or home network. They are usually connected by Ethernet cables and have high speed connections. If it was a wireless setup it would be called a WLAN, which would have a lower connection speed. 

MAN: (Metropolitan Area Network) This is a larger network that connects computer users in a particular  geographic area or region. For example a large university may have a network so large that it may be classified as a MAN. The MAN network usually exist to provide connectivity to local ISPs, cable tv, or large corporations. It is far larger than a LAN and smaller than a WAN. Also large cities like London and Sydney, Australia have metropolitan area networks.

WAN: (Wide Area Network) This is the largest network and can interconnect networks throughout the world and is not restricted to a geographical location. The Internet is an example of a worldwide public WAN. Most WANs exist to connect LANs that are not in the same geographical area. This technology is high speed and very expensive to setup.

Next Gen NBN

The Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN) is the wired network of the Next Generation National Infocomm Infrastructure (Next Gen NII), which seeks to transform Singapore into an intelligent nation and a global city, powered by infocomm. It will provide ultra-high speed broadband access of 1Gbps and more, delivering a slew of next generation services at all physical addresses including homes, schools, government buildings, businesses and hospitals.

Besides enabling Singapore to exploit new economic opportunities and enhancing the vibrancy of the infocomm sector, the network will also offer effective open access to retail service providers to bring about a more competitive broadband market. This is expected to spark off the creation of a wider range of next generation services for end-users. A competitive and globally recognised infrastructure, coupled with a high level of adoption by the nation, will result in greater productivity gains and enable new possibilities to transform the way we live, learn, work and interact.

SIngapore Internet Exchange (SGIX)

SGIX provides a central point for the ISPs to exchange traffic with one another directly instead of routing through international carriers before reaching a local ISP. In addition, this arrangement enables customers of the ISPs to access local contents  from other ISPs even during cable outages which occur on the international network, such as those caused by earthquakes,. Using a local exchange like SGIX will help to cut connectivity cost and improve the resiliency of their networks. It will ultimately also improve the speeds their customers can experience when accessing local content.

Singapore’s proximity to regional markets and extensive global connectivity allows SGIX to be well-positioned as a central traffic exchange in the region to serve international carriers and content service providers. Carriers around the world can exchange traffic effectively without having to establish multiple international connections across the region.  This provides a good opportunity for them to aggregate their international traffic from the region, resulting in greater cost-savings.

Content providers can also leverage on SGIX as a gateway to reach out to the growing market in the region without the need to establish multiple connectivity links or presence across the region.

References:

Mitz. (n.d.). What is the difference between network lan, wan, and man. Retrieved from http://tips4pc.com/articles/networking tips/what_is_the_difference_between_networks_lan_wan_man_.htm

Cory , J. (n.d.). Campus area network (can). Retrieved from http://www.techopedia.com/definition/25931/campus-area-network-can

(n.d.) What is Next Gen NBN, http://www.ida.gov.sg/Infocomm-Landscape/Infrastructure/Wired/What-is-Next-Gen-NBN.aspx#.ULHhQofqmyl

(March, 2011), Singapore Internet Exchange, http://www.ida.gov.sg/~/media/Files/Archive/Infrastructure/Infrastructure_Level2/20090708173942/SGIX_FactSheet.pdf



Done by: Tan Ting Hwee (TT01)