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    WAN vs LAN: What is the Difference Between the Two?

    MasonBy No Comments5 Mins Read

    Computer networks permit businesses to run efficiently, securely, and productively. A computer network is like an environment in which a set of computer systems are connected to each other. It helps users in the same environment to talk with each other for any purpose, be it work or social networking. LAN and WAN are the two essential types of computer networks. 

    Let us understand what LAN and WAN are, and we’ll also help you know the difference between LAN and WAN.

    Let us understand LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network).

    LAN

    Local Area Network, which is abbreviated as LAN. It forms a network wherein two or more computers are connected together. LAN forms a network within a small geographical area, usually within an small workspace or within the same building. Home WiFi networks and small business networks are two of the most common examples of LANs. LANs network area can be very large, but  when the same LAN occupies more than just one building, it is better to classify it under the wide area network (WAN) or even metropolitan area network (MAN). .

    We can put in force LAN the use of Ethernet LAN (Wired connection) and WLAN (Wireless). A LAN includes switches, routers, cables, get entry to points, etc., that permit community gadgets to hook up with internal servers, net servers, and different LANs thru extensive location networks. It is excellent and appropriate for sharing sources which include printers, files, games, and various applications.

    Applications of the LAN

    • Designates one computer on the network as a server so that it can manage all other computers. 
    • The LAN allows the software to be stored on a server for use by all users of the network.
    • Connects all workstations in a building so that they can communicate with each other locally without requiring Internet access.
    • Useful for sharing resources such as printers and scanners. 
    • A software developer can also use his LAN network to share development/test tools within the office or factory using the client-server model of the network system.

    WAN

    A WAN is a group of LANs or other networks that communicate with each other. It is a network of networks that allows any form of communication and information sharing between devices from anywhere in the world.

    Organisations can build networks that enable employees, customers, and other stakeholders to collaborate online regardless of location. A WAN is not limited to one geographic location. However, it gets limited to states or countries. Besides, WANs are usually fast and expensive. The internet is sort of an example of the largest public WAN.

    Applications of WAN

    • The head of the head office department wants to share some data with the staff at the branch offices and can do so by storing the data in a central node.
    • Military operations require highly secure networks for communications. A WAN is used in this scenario.
    • Train bookings and airlines use his WAN network.
    • College deans and lecturers share a common network, making it easy to share data and resources. 
    • The WAN allows workstations to connect locally and allows nodes to communicate with each other without an internet connection.
    • Resources such as printers, scanners, disks, and fax machines can be shared publicly across all nodes.

    What is the difference between LAN and WAN?

    LAN WAN
    Local Area Network is the full form of LAN Whereas WAN is the acronym for Wide Area Network
    The ownership is private in the case of LAN. On the other hand, WAN’s ownership can be private or public, your choice.
    The speed of LAN is high as compared to WAN The speed of WAN is much slower than LAN.
    The propagation delay is much shorter in the case of a LAN Whereas the propagation delay in WAN is longer than in LAN
    There is very little congestion in LAN(local area network). While there is more congestion in WAN or Wide Area Network due to broad area coverage
    The fault tolerance in LAN is more. While there is lesser fault tolerance in WAN as compared to LAN
    The design and maintenance of LAN are easy. While the design and maintenance of WAN are much more difficult
    LAN covers small areas like the premises of a building While WAN covers a larger geographical area
    LAN’s operation is based on the principle of broadcasting While WAN’s principle is based on point to point
    The transmission medium used in LAN is coaxial or UTP cable Whereas WAN uses PSTN or a satellite link as a mode of transmission or communication medium
    LAN has a higher data transfer rate The rate of data transfer of WAN is much lower as compared to LAN.
    LANs technologies used like ethernet and tokens to cover shorter premises Frame Relay and X.25 are a standardised form of WAN technology that ensures connectivity for longer distances
    LANs technologies data transfer rate is 10mbps WANs technologies data transfer rate is 150mbps
    LAN is cheap compared to WAN WAN is costly compared to LAN

    So, that was about how LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network) work, which are basically the two types of computer networks. They help in the interconnection between computers. While LAN networks offer smaller and more localised networking, on the other hand, WANs offer more widespread connectivity. Besides having a network coverage area as the backdrop of LANs, they are still comparatively faster and more secure than WANs.

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