7. How do Local Area Networks (LAN) differ from Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), and Backbone Networks (BN)? The local network as defined in our manual is a “group of computers located in the same area” (Fitzgerald and Dennis, 2012. p13). Local Area Networks are a type of network typically implemented in an office, school, or home environment where groups of computers are located close to each other or within a small geographic area. Thus, client computers are interconnected via a switch to access another network, server, then a router which accesses the Internet. LANs use hardware such as Ethernet cables, network cards, wireless access points, switches, and routers. Therefore, when local networks are interconnected even though they are geographically separated and extend between 3 and 30 miles but still within the city, they form a type of network called Metropolitan. Regional networks (MAN). MANs cover a larger geographic area covered by LANs but smaller than the geographic area covered by WANs (Fitzgerald & Dennis, 2012. p295). Large universities, school districts, etc., are examples of organizations that use these types of networks. Additionally, when LANs, MANs, and BNs cross state, national, and international boundaries, they form a type of network called wide area networks (WANs). The Internet is the largest existing WAN under collective or distributed ownership and management (Mitchell, nd). WANs use technologies such as ATM, Frame Relay and X.25 for connectivity over longer distances (Fitzgerald & Dennis, 2012. p319). Interconnecting the organization's various networks such as LANs, MANs, BNs and WANs requires a backbone network (BN). ) which uses hardware devices such as switches, routes...... middle of paper ......zation (ISO) and the International Telecommunications Union – Telecommunications Group (ITU-T). According to our manual “ISO makes technical recommendations on data communications interfaces while ITU-T is an international organization that sets global communications standards” (Fitzgerald & Dennis, 2012. pp 23 & 562). Thus, ISO deals with data communications standards while ITU-T focuses more on standard recommendations for telecommunications groups such as telephone and telegraph stations (PTT) and other public operators. Works Cited Fitzgerald, J. & Dennis, A. (2012). Enterprise Data Communications and Networks (11th Edition). John Wiley and Sons, Inc. By Bradley Mitchell, B. (nd). Introduction to network types: LAN, WAN and other local networks. Retrieved January 11, 2014 from http://compnetworking.about.com/od/basicnetworkingconcepts/a/network_types.htm