What is LAN?
LAN stands for Local Area Network. A LAN is a collection of computers and other network devices that are connected inside a certain geographic region, such as a home, a building, an office, an entire campus, and so on. It is a frequently utilised 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 in order to share resources such as printers, scanners, or assets such as audio, video, movies, software, games, and so on. A connection created between a computer and a printer within a home is the most basic type of LAN example. It is typically a medium for transferring data between devices in a limited range area.
Advantages and Disadvantages of LAN
Advantages of LAN
- Low-cost transmission media.
- It can make the physical connection of a device to the media easier.
- It is used to transmit data at high speeds.
- Because network data transmission is independent of the rates of the linked devices, a one-speed device can send data to another speed device.
- A high connectivity rate between devices.
- Each network-connected device has the capability of interacting with another device on the network.
- It is adaptable and forward-thinking.
- It supports file locking.
- It provides complete confirmation of the security system’s protection against unauthorised data access.
- LANs are a tool for increasing productivity. A LAN should be an obvious contribution to increased profitability in the case of business.
Disadvantages of LAN
- Each mainframe used on the network required a memory area for LAN software. This reduces the amount of RAM available for the user’s programme.
- Local area networking adds another level of complexity to computer functioning. Users may have difficulty comprehending network commands. The installation and administration of a LAN necessitate significantly more technical and regulatory expertise than installing and managing many non-networked computers.
- If it is critical to protect private data, a security system should be implemented.
- The customer loses some of his or her control. We must share a printer with several customers.
- Some existing application apps will not run over a network.
What is WAN?
A wide area network (WAN) is a large computer network that connects computer groups that are separated by large distances. Large firms frequently utilise WANs to connect their office networks; each office normally has its own local area network, or LAN, which connects via a WAN. These long connections can be built in a variety of methods, such as leased lines, VPNs, or IP tunnels.
What characterises a WAN is a rather broad term. A WAN is technically any huge network that spans a large geographic area. The Internet is regarded as a WAN.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Wide Area Network (WAN)
Advantages of WAN
- The geographical coverage of WAN is greater. As a result, corporate offices located at greater distances can readily communicate.
- It, like LAN, allows distributed workstations or users to share resources and application software.
- WAN allows organisations to create a global integrated network. Furthermore, it benefits global markets and businesses.
- The rise of IoT (Internet of Things) and improved wireless technologies such as LAN or LAN-Advanced has facilitated the proliferation of WAN-based devices.
Disadvantages of WAN
- The initial investment is higher than LAN.
- The network is difficult to maintain. It necessitates the use of skilled technicians and network managers.
- Because of the extensive coverage and use of various technologies, there are more faults and difficulties. The involvement of numerous wired and wireless technologies frequently necessitates more time to resolve challenges.
- Because of its larger scope and usage of additional technologies, it has worse security than LAN and MAN.
- Security is a major concern, necessitating the usage of firewalls and security software/protocols at many places across the system. This reduces the possibility of intruders hacking.
Difference between LAN & WAN
| S.NO: | LAN | WAN |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LAN Stands for Local Area Network | WAN stands for Wide Area Network |
| 2 | The LAN speed is high | The WAN speed is slower than LAN |
| 3 | The ownership of LAN is private | The ownership of WAN can be private and public |
| 4 | Fault tolerance is high | Fault tolerance is low |
| 5 | Propagation delay is high | Propagation delay is lower |
| 6 | Less congestion | High congestion |
| 7 | Easy to design | Difficult to design |
| 8 | LAN covers small area i.e., within the building like school, office, etc. | WAN covers large geographical area |
| 9 | Data transfer rate in LANs is 10mbps. | Data transfer rate in WANs is 150mbps. |
| 10 | The LAN operates on the broadcasting principle. | The LAN operates on the Point to point principle. |