Unit 3: Activity 1: LAN vs WAN

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.

 

LAN              WAN Standard for          Local Area Network Wide Area Network Covers Local areas only (office, school) Large geographic areas (citiies, states) Definition Local Area Network is a computer network covering small geographic area, like school, and office areas Wide Area Network is a computer network that covers a broad area that any network communicate cross regional or metropolitan Speed High speed (1,000 mbps) Less spend (150 mbps) Data transfer rates High Low Example Network in office building Internet Connection Connected each LAN at any distance via telephone lines and radio waves Computer connected to wide area network through public network, such as telephone system 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 Data Transmission Error Fewer More Maintenance costs Relatively small Higher costs Congestion Less More