IPU BCA Semester 1 - Introduction To Computers and IT - LAN vs WAN

LAN vs WAN

Introduction To Computers and IT

	LAN	WAN
Definition	LAN is a computer network that connects computers in small areas.	WAN is a network that covers a broad area using private or public network transports.
Data transfer rate	LAN offers high data transfer rates.	WAN has lower data transfer rates due to congestion
Speed	80-90 mbps	10-20 mbps
Technology	LANs use technologies such as Ethernet and Token Ring to connect to other networks.	WAN uses technologies such as MPLS, ATM, Frame Relay and X.25 for data connection over greater distances.
Bandwidth	High bandwidth is a available for transmission.	Low bandwidth available for transmission.
Connection	One LAN can be connected to other LANs over any distance via telephone lines and radio waves.	Computers connected to a wide area network are often connected through public networks, such as the telephone system. They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites.
Components	Layer 2 devices like switches, bridges. Layer 1 devices like hubs, repeaters.	Layers 3 devices Routers, Multilayer Switches and Technology specific devices like ATM or Frame relay Switches etc.
Problems	LANs tend to have fewer problems associated with them.	WANs have more problems due to the large amount of system and data that is present.
Ownership	LAN networks can be owned up private companies or people that set it up at homes.	WAN are not owned up any one organization but exist under collective or distributed ownership.
Data Transmission Error	Experiences fewer data transmission errors	Experience more data transmission errors.
Cost	Set-up costs are low as the devices required to set up the network are cheap	Set-up costs are high, especially in remote locations where set-up is not down. However, WANs using public network are cheap.
Spread	The network is spread to a very small location.	The network can be spread worldwide.
Maintenance costs	Maintenance costs are low as the area coverage is small.	‘Maintenance costs are high as the area coverage is worldwide.
Congestion	Less congestion	More congestion