Difference between LAN and WAN
Answers
Explanation:
LAN, which stands for local area network, and WAN, which stands for wide area network, are two types of networks that allow for interconnectivity between computers. As the naming conventions suggest, LANs are for smaller, more localized networking — in a home, business, school, etc. — while WANs cover larger areas, such as cities, and even allow computers in different nations to connect. LANs are typically faster and more secure than WANs, but WANs enable more widespread connectivity. And while LANs tend to be owned, controlled and managed in-house by the organization where they are deployed, WANs typically require two or more of their constituent LANs to be connected over the public Internet or via a private connection established by a third-party telecommunications provider.
Comparison chart
LAN versus WAN comparison chart
LAN WAN
Stands For Local Area Network Wide Area Network
Covers Local areas only (e.g., homes, offices, schools) Large geographic areas (e.g., cities, states, nations)
Definition LAN (Local Area Network) is a computer network covering a small geographic area, like a home, office, school, or group of buildings. WAN (Wide Area Network) is a computer network that covers a broad area (e.g., any network whose communications links cross metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries over a long distance).
Speed High speed (1000 mbps) Less speed (150 mbps)
Data transfer rates LANs have a high data transfer rate. WANs have a lower data transfer rate compared to LANs.
Example The network in an office building can be a LAN The Internet is a good example of a WAN
Technology Tend to use certain connectivity technologies, primarily Ethernet and Token Ring WANs tend to use technologies like MPLS, ATM, Frame Relay and X.25 for connectivity over longer distances
Connection One LAN can be connected to other LANs over any distance via telephone lines and radio waves. Computers connected to a wide-area network are often connected through public networks, such as the telephone system. They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites.
Components Layer 2 devices like switches and bridges. Layer 1 devices like hubs and repeaters. Layers 3 devices Routers, Multi-layer Switches and Technology specific devices like ATM or Frame-relay Switches etc.
Fault Tolerance LANs tend to have fewer problems associated with them, as there are smaller number of systems to deal with. WANs tend to be less fault tolerant as they consist of large number of systems.
Data Transmission Error Experiences fewer data transmission errors Experiences more data transmission errors as compared to LAN
Ownership Typically owned, controlled, and managed by a single person or organization. WANs (like the Internet) are not owned by any one organization but rather exist under collective or distributed ownership and management over long distances.
Set-up costs If there is a need to set-up a couple of extra devices on the network, it is not very expensive to do that. For WANs since networks in remote areas have to be connected the set-up costs are higher. However WANs using public networks can be setup very cheaply using just software (VPN etc).
Geographical Spread Have a small geographical range and do not need any leased telecommunication lines Have a large geographical range generally spreading across boundaries and need leased telecommunication lines
Maintenance costs Because it covers a relatively small geographical area, LAN is easier to maintain at relatively low costs. Maintaining WAN is difficult because of its wider geographical coverage and higher maintenance costs.
Bandwidth High bandwidth is available for transmission. Low bandwidth is available for transmission.
Congestion Less congestion More congestion
Answer:
LAN stands for Local Area Network
WAN stands for Wide Area Network
Explanation:
The only difference between LAN and WAN is LAN works within the local area like your house or your school and office etc. whereas WAN gives network service to large area like your locality or your town....