It is possible — and almost always the case — that LANs are connected to WANs. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies. Wi-Fi has become one of the most popular methods for wireless networking over a local network. A LAN, abbreviated from Local Area Network, is a network that covers a small geographical area such as homes, offices and groups of buildings. Local Area Networks can use both Layer 1 and Layer 2 devices; Layer 1 devices include HUB’s and repeaters and the Layer 2 devices that can be used are switches and bridge devices. LAN’s are typically cheaper than WAN’s to both implement and maintain as the equipment required for Local Area Networks is less expensive, however, you can be more cost-efficient when setting up a WAN if you were to use VPN’s. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website.


Sign in, choose your GCSE subjects and see content that's tailored for you. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Keep your customers safe with Purple's Test and Trace solution. As the naming conventions suggest, LANs are for smaller, more localized networking — in a home, business, school, etc. Internet is also a WAN. Home Economics: Food and Nutrition (CCEA). Another important factor that determines how fast data can be transmitted over the network is dependent on hardware and cable quality, in addition to the data transfer ability of these also having an effect. Having all the computers in a LAN physically connected to a router (or sometimes a switch) is the fastest way to transfer data between computers on a LAN.

A server usually provides services like file storage and email. If consistent high speeds are needed within a LAN or WAN, particularly for business or gaming purposes, one should be physically connected to the network.

A wide area network (WAN) is used to connect computers that are not close to one another. An obvious advantage that WAN has over LAN is the size of the area that it is able to cover. High-quality, copper submarine cables are used to help speed up data transfers between nations.

Wide Area Network (WAN) depends mainly on Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for connection solutions. Most WANs connect through public networks, like the telephone system, or via leased lines. If you read this far, you should follow us: "LAN vs WAN." Current Local Area Ne… Layers 3 devices Routers, Multi-layer Switches and Technology specific devices like ATM or Frame-relay Switches etc. A WAN is usually not owned and maintained by a single organisation/entity like LAN’s are, therefore you have much less control over the network. They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites. For WANs since networks in remote areas have to be connected the set-up costs are higher. A LAN is a computer network across a limited area such as a home, school and office. 11 Oct 2020.

Our team of exam survivors will get you started and keep you going. These cookies do not store any personal information. WANs have a lower data transfer rate compared to LANs.

Whereas a WAN, abbreviated from Wide Area Network, is a network that covers larger geographical areas which can span the globe. Internet connection is an example of WAN. A LAN, abbreviated from Local Area Network, is a network that covers a small geographical area such as homes, offices and groups of buildings. Whereas LAN’s mainly use Ethernet Cat # cabling, WAN’s, which are also able to send data over Ethernet, can send data over many other types of media from one location to another. Moreover, using modern cables — Cat5e and better — will ensure the best data transfer speeds. This enables small home or office networks to connect to wider networks, such as those across state or country lines. 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). A WAN is a huge network, which even interconnects the LANs spread across a city, country or even the whole world. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, analyze site traffic and personalize content. LANs are often connected to WANs, for example a school network could be connected to the internet. Consisting only of everyday devices (e.g., desktops, laptops, tablets, printers), router and/or switch, and Ethernet cables or wireless cards, LANs are relatively inexpensive to set up and are commonly used in homes. Local Area Network (LAN) Wide Area Network (WAN) LAN.