Assignment task:
Discussion Instructions: Trends in LANs and MANs
In 250 words, answer the questions below with 4 evidence base scholarly articles in APA format.
1. Discuss a technology trend in local area networks (LANs) and metro area networks (MANs) that you deem important. Need Assignment Help?
2. Explain your rationale.
In 400 word total, replying to the 2 post below. Each reply must be 200 words.
C.WPost #1
Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) play a crucial role in the digital landscape of contemporary cities and regions. These networks provide a robust framework that supports various applications, facilitating seamless communication and connectivity among users. By enhancing data transfer speeds and reliability, MANs significantly boost operational efficiency for businesses and public services alike. They create an environment that fosters innovation and enables the development of smart city initiatives and various technological advancements that benefit the community as a whole.
The advancement of Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) is closely connected to ongoing innovations in networking technology. As these technologies evolve, several key trends are expected to profoundly impact the development and utilization of MANs across different settings. These trends will not only enhance the efficiency and performance of MANs but also expand their applications within urban areas, improving connectivity and communication within communities.
One key trend reshaping metropolitan area networks is the rapid advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT). This cutting-edge technology is broadening the scope of MANs, transforming them from networks that primarily serve traditional computing devices into robust systems that integrate a wide range of smart devices and sensors. As these innovations are integrated into urban environments, they enable more effective resource management. For instance, smart lighting systems can adjust brightness based on real-time data, while intelligent traffic control solutions can optimize vehicle flow to reduce congestion and enhance safety. Additionally, environmental monitoring sensors can track air quality and other vital metrics, ensuring a healthier urban landscape. Collectively, these advancements are crucial for the evolution of smarter, more interconnected cities, ultimately leading to a better quality of life for residents and a more sustainable future.
References:
Donahue, G. A., (2018). Network Warrior.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), (2024). Bridging Cities and Large Campuses - SolveForce Communications.
Townsend, A.M., (2022). Smart Cities: Big Data, Civic Hackers, and the Quest for a New Utopia.
C.EPost #2:
A major development in Local Area Networks (LANs) and Metro Area Networks (MANs) right now is the shift towards Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E technology. As more businesses and homes depend on wireless connections, this shift is changing the way devices connect to networks. It provides faster speeds, more capacity, and better performance, especially in places with lots of devices (Robinson, n.d).
Wi-Fi 6, or 802.11ax, brings several upgrades compared to older Wi-Fi standards, including a technology called OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) (Robinson, n.d). These technologies enable multiple devices to connect to the router at once, instead of each device having to wait its turn. As a result, Wi-Fi 6 cuts down on delays and boosts data speeds, making it perfect for places with lots of connected devices, like offices and schools (Brittain, 2023).
Wi-Fi 6E builds on Wi-Fi 6 by opening the 6 GHz band, providing extra bandwidth and lessening network traffic (Robinson, n.d). By adding the 6 GHz band, Wi-Fi 6E reduces interference and makes it easier to handle demanding applications like virtual reality (VR) and high-definition video streaming in 4K and 8K. This is crucial in metro networks, where busy urban areas often face interference because of the heavy amount of Wi-Fi traffic. Wi-Fi 6E also brings power-saving features like Target Wake Time (TWT), which are perfect for crowded IoT networks with lots of battery-powered devices and sensors connected (Robinson, n.d). This feature significantly enhances efficiency and helps conserve battery life.
The growing need for Wi-Fi 6 and 6E comes from the rise in connected devices, the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT), and the increasing demand for high-performance applications. As the number of smart devices keeps growing, LANs and MANs need to adapt to offer faster speeds, more reliable connections, and a better overall experience for users. Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E tackle these issues by improving network efficiency and boosting data speeds, making sure local and metro networks can keep up with the increasing need for reliable connectivity.
References:
Robinson, K. (n.d.). Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E: The key to IOT. Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E: The Key to IoT.
Brittain, A.-M. (2023, June). WIFI 6 vs WIFI 6E: A short guide. HP® Tech Takes.