Wan / Lan
What Is A WAN?
- A WAN is a Wide Area Network.
- A WAN spans a large geographic area, such as a state, province or country. WANs often connect multiple smaller networks, such as local area networks (LANs) or metro area networks (MANs).
What Is A LAN?
- A LAN is a Local Area Network.
- It is a computer network that spans a relatively small area. Most LANs are confined to a single building or group of buildings.
| COMPARISONS | LAN | WAN |
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Definition: |
LAN (Local Area Network) is a computer network covering a small geographic area, like a home office, schools, 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 |
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Speed: |
high speed(1000mbps) |
less speed(150mbps) |
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Data transfer rates: |
LANs have a high data transfer rate |
WANs have a lower data transfer rate as compared to LANs |
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Example: |
Network in an organization can be a LAN |
Internet is a good example of a WAN |
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Technology: |
Tend to use certain connectivity technologies, primarily Ethernet |
WANs tend to use technology like MPLS, for connectivity over the longer distances |
