LAN, LAN, which stands stands for local area network , and WAN and WAN,, which stands for wide area network , are are two two type typess of netw networ orks ks that that allo allow w for for inte interc rcon onnec necti tivit vity y be betw tween een comp comput uter ers. s. As the the nami naming ng conv conven enti tion onss 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 inhouse by the organization where they are deployed, WANs typically re!uire two or more of their constituent LANs to be conn connec ecte ted d over over the the publ public ic "nte "ntern rnet et or via via a priv privat atee conn connec ecti tion on established by a thirdparty telecommunications provider.
Comparison chart
Stands For Covers
Definition
LAN
WAN
Local Area Network
Wide Area Network
Local areas only (e.g., homes, offices, schools)
Large geographic areas (e.g., cities, states, nations)
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 Data transfer rates Example
Technology
Connection
LAN
WAN
igh speed (!""" mbps)
Less speed (!#" mbps)
LANs have a high data transfer rate.
WANs have a lower data transfer rate compared to LANs.
$he network in an office building can be a LAN
$he %nternet is a good e&le of a WAN
$end to use certain connectivity technologies, primarily 'thernetand $oken ing
WANs tend to use technologies like *L+, A$, rame elay and -.# for connectivity over longer distances
/ne LAN can be connected to other LANs over any distance via telephone lines and radio waves.
0omputers connected to a wide1area network are often connected through public networks, such as the telephone system. $hey can also be connected through leased lines or satellites.
Layer devices like switches and Components bridges. Layer ! devices like hubs and repeaters.
Layers 2 devices outers, ulti1layer +witches and $echnology specific devices like A$ or rame1relay +witches etc.
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.
'&periences fewer data transmission errors
'&periences more data transmission errors as compared to LAN
$ypically owned, controlled, and managed by a single person or organi3ation.
WANs (like the %nternet) are not owned by any one organi3ation but rather e&ist under collective or distributed ownership and management over long distances.
%f there is a need to set1up a couple of e&tra devices on the network, it is not very e&pensive to do that.
or WANs since networks in remote areas have to be connected the set1up costs are higher. owever WANs using public networks can be setup very cheaply using 4ust software (5*N etc).
Geographical Spread
ave a small geographical range and do not need any leased telecommunication lines
ave a large geographical range generally spreading across boundaries and need leased telecommunication lines
aintenance
6ecause it covers a relatively small
aintaining WAN is difficult because of
Fault Tolerance Data Transmission Error
Ownership
Set-up costs
LAN
WAN
geographical area, LAN is easier to maintain at relatively low costs.
its wider geographical coverage and higher maintenance costs.
!andwidth
igh bandwidth is available for transmission.
Low bandwidth is available for transmission.
Congestion
Less congestion
ore congestion
costs
