GATE CSE IT » Difference Between LAN and WAN

Difference Between LAN and WAN

LAN and WAN networks are a vital part of information technology. See the difference between Local and Wide Area Networks, their working, benefits and disadvantages.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is LAN?
  2. The Benefits Of LAN
  3. Disadvantages Of LAN
  4. What Is WAN
  5. Benefits Of WAN
  6. Disadvantages Of WAN
  7. The Distinction Between LAN And WAN

The network is a set of interconnected computers. It enables network users to connect and share resources.  Computer networks enable organisations to perform more effectively, safely, and productively. The two primary types of networked computers are LAN and WAN. There are, nevertheless, some distinctions. This blog will look at the key distinctions between WAN and LAN. Let’s start with the definitions for both:

What Is LAN?

A LAN is a collection of computers & other network equipment that are connected inside a certain geographic region, such as a home, a school, a workplace, an entire university, and so on. It is a frequently used network of devices that may be set up in a confined geographical region at a low cost compared to other networks. In most circumstances, LAN is used to create a network to share resources such as printers, scanners, or assets such as audio,  movies, software, video, games, and so on. A connection created between a computer and a printer within a home is the most basic type of LAN example.

The Benefits Of LAN

  • Resource sharing includes easily sharing resources such as hard disc drives and printers. It lowers the cost of purchasing hardware.
  • Program sharing makes it simple to utilise the same application on several devices linked to a pc.
  • All LAN users can share a single internet connection.
  • LAN can keep data from all users on the network on a single computer. On a single computer. It enables individuals to access the necessary info at any time.

Disadvantages Of LAN

  • LAN only covers a limited geographical region, such as a workplace, building, or house.
  • Privacy invasion: A LAN administrator has access to every LAN user’s data files & internet history.
  • Expert specialists are required to perform extensive maintenance and updates regularly.

What Is WAN?

A wide-area network (WAN) is a strong computer network that spans a broad geographical region. It can bridge the gap among states or countries. WAN is significantly bigger and more costly than LAN / MAN (Metropolitan Area Network). A single enterprise does not often hold WANs due to their high cost and complicated configuration. Wide area networks are built by Connecting numerous LANs through telephone lines or radiofrequency. These networks are often built with high-end telecommunication circuits. The Internet, a type of network, is the greatest wide area network.

Benefits Of WAN

  • WAN allows users to connect across a vast geographical region. It is beneficial for enterprises with several locations. They can simply communicate with other offices.
  • The information is arranged centrally. It enables users to access and manage data effortlessly. Whether working with emails, files, or even backup servers is beneficial. Users are not required to pay for such resources separately for each branch or division.
  • WAN enables people to interact via instant messaging. People may now contact their friends and family more easily thanks to apps like Whatsapp and others.
  • Businesses operate upon that live server over WAN. As a result, engineers and programmers get rapid access to the revised files. It is beneficial in increasing productivity

Disadvantages Of WAN

  • It has more security challenges than LAN due to the usage of multiple technologies and wide-area coverage.
  • Costlier investment.
  • It is challenging to maintain the network; competent technicians & network administrators are required.
  • WAN troubleshooting can be time-consuming and challenging.

The Distinction Between LAN And WAN

S.NO LAN WAN
1. LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. WAN is an abbreviation for Wide Area Network.
2. The LAN speed is fast (more than WAN). WAN speeds are slower than LAN speeds.
3. The ownership of LAN is private. However, WAN ownership might be either private or public.
4. In LAN, the propagation latency is Short. In contrast, the propagation latency in a WAN is considerable.
5. LAN has greater fault tolerance. While WAN has less fault tolerance.
6. The LAN is less congested. While WAN congestion is higher.
7. It is simple to create and maintain a LAN. While it is more complex to develop and maintain than a WAN.
8. The LAN functions on the broadcasting concept. While WAN operates on the point-to-point premise.
9. LAN only covers a narrow region, such as within a building. WAN, on the other hand, covers a broad geographical region.
10. Coaxial or UTP cable is the transmission technology used in LAN. On the other hand, WAN employs a PSTN or satellite link like a transfer or communication channel.