The Difference Between LAN and WAN
In computer networks, the main difference between LAN and WAN is the speed of connection. A LAN typically has a speed of more than 1Gbps, which is much faster than a typical WAN, but it is only capable of connecting computers within its local area. While many people think of WAN as a type of LAN, it is not. In fact, the internet itself is a WAN.
A LAN is similar to a home office setup, where computers are confined to a specific area and do not need to communicate across the entire building. Both types of networks will use the same technology and will have a combination of wires. Regardless of what type of network you’re using, you should know the basics about the two types. Let’s examine WAN and LAN networks in more detail.
The WAN is a network consisting of autonomous computers distributed across a large geographical area. To create a WAN, a network needs to replace the shared medium with packet switches, which move the entire packet from one connection to another. Typically, packet switches consist of small computers with a network interface and a program dedicated to packet switching. Although packet switches can connect to computers, they generally have lower speeds than LAN connections.
LANs are more fault-tolerant, but WANs can cause problems due to large volumes of data. The differences between LANs and WANs are also based on ownership. A LAN can be owned by a single organization, while a WAN can be collectively or individually owned by many entities. LANs are also cheaper to setup and maintain than WANs, and LANs can be setup cheaply using public networks.
WANs can be made up of a satellite link and the PSTN. LANs are more common in large businesses, while WANs are used to connect smaller regional offices to the main headquarters. A WAN is also used for remote access. In a company setting, a LAN connects multiple LANs. A LAN is local in nature. Its speed is high, but it also requires a lot of bandwidth.
One of the major differences between WAN and LAN is their security. LANs can be controlled from within a corporation while WANs are often shared over public infrastructure. Additionally, a LAN can be controlled remotely, allowing a corporation to have more reliable and secure connectivity. However, there are a number of disadvantages to WANs. The main disadvantage is that it is not as secure as a WAN. WANs are more expensive and expose a company to security risks.
WANs use leased telephone lines to connect computers in distant locations. While LANs use satellite links, WANs use the phone network, which is cheaper and more efficient. Wide area networks are usually designed to transfer large blocks of data, so the speed of the data transfer is not a critical factor. A LAN may have less bandwidth than a WAN, but it is cheaper and more reliable. When you choose a WAN, you need to decide how many devices you want to connect.
In general, LANs are easier to use and are more secure. WANs are often used for social networking and file sharing. A WAN can be used to connect multiple locations that are geographically separate, but it is still easier to manage for smaller businesses. This article explains the difference between LANs and WANs. The two are distinctly different and should be used in a network environment. So, which is better?
In contrast, a WAN is an extensive network that spans a large geographic area. It can even extend across a country. Unlike a LAN, a WAN can be very expensive and cannot be owned by one organization. Often, WANs are built using a combination of LANs connected to one another via telephone lines or radio waves. They are often organized using high-end telecommunication circuits.
A LAN is typically used inside one building and is comprised of computers, switches, and printers. Ethernet cabling is more reliable and faster than WANs. It is also easier to maintain and less costly to install than WAN. A LAN is also a much simpler system than a WAN. The main difference between a LAN and a WAN is their speed. The LAN is much faster, but a WAN is slower.
