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What’s the Difference Between LAN and WAN?


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A local area network (LAN) connects devices that are physically close to each other by using connectors like routers and switches. It allows devices to exchange data and communicate securely on a small scale. A wide area network (WAN) spans beyond a single building or large campus to connect multiple locations spread across a specific geographic area or even the world. Organizations use WANs to facilitate digital interactions and data sharing between employees and customers in different regions or countries.","id":"seo-faq-pairs#whats-the-difference-between-lan-and-wan","customSort":"1"},"metadata":{"tags":[{"id":"seo-faq-pairs#faq-collections#wan-vs-lan","name":"wan-vs-lan","namespaceId":"seo-faq-pairs#faq-collections","description":"

wan-vs-lan","metadata":{}}]}},{"fields":{"faqQuestion":"What are the similarities between LAN and WAN?","faqAnswer":"

Local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) connect computers and peripheral devices so that network users can share data and resources. Here are other things they have in common. \n

Basic principles \n

LANs and WANs are both computer networks made up of nodes and links. They require two or more nodes to create a computer network. \n

A network node may be data communication equipment (DCE) or data terminal equipment (DTE). DCE includes things like modems, hubs, or switches, while DTE may be something like two or more computers and printers. \n

A link is the transmission media that connects two nodes. Wired connections use ethernet cables made of coaxial, fiber-optic, or twisted-pair technology. On the other hand, wireless connections use radio waves, like 3G, 4G, or 5G technology, to connect nodes. \n

Read about computer networking » \n

Data transmission \n

LANs and WANs both use DCE network devices. These devices help networks direct traffic and deliver data to the correct destinations. \n

Additionally, both LANs and WANs use sets of rules called communication protocols to manage data transmission between connected devices. The most common protocol is TCP/IP. There are also other protocols for different types of communication, like the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP). \n

Security \n

You can secure both LANs and WANs by using various methods such as firewalls, encryption, and access control. Security measures prevent unauthorized access to the network and protect sensitive data during transmission. If you implement strong security measures, both WANs and LANs can provide a secure environment for your users to communicate and share data.","id":"seo-faq-pairs#what-are-the-similarities-between-lan-and-wan","customSort":"2"},"metadata":{"tags":[{"id":"seo-faq-pairs#faq-collections#wan-vs-lan","name":"wan-vs-lan","namespaceId":"seo-faq-pairs#faq-collections","description":"

wan-vs-lan","metadata":{}}]}},{"fields":{"faqQuestion":"What are the key differences between LAN and WAN?","faqAnswer":"

Fundamentally, both local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) connect several devices. However, a WAN can be made up of multiple interconnected LANs. A WAN is a network that connects multiple LANs over a long distance to allow devices to communicate over a wide area. \n

\"\" \n

Here are other key differences between WANs and LANs. \n

Components \n

The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model defines a layered structure of how computers exchange data on a network. The layers identify different steps in network communication and various tasks that network components perform to make the exchange happen. \n

LANs use data communication equipment (DCE) from OSI layers 1 and 2. Layer 1 devices, such as hubs and repeaters, physically transmit data over the network. For example, they may convert digital signals into analog signals for transmission over a physical medium. Layer 2 devices, such as switches and bridges, establish and maintain communication between devices on the same network segment. \n

WANs use DCE from OSI layers 1, 2, and 3.  Layer 3 devices route data between different network segments. To do this, they examine the addresses of incoming data packets and forward the packets to the appropriate destination networks. Examples include multi-layer switches, routers, and technology-specific devices such as frame-relay switches and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM). \n

Connections \n

In LANs, connections between devices are physical—such as through ethernet cables or wireless access points. These connections allow for fast communication between devices within a confined geographical area. \n

In contrast, WAN connections are often virtual connections over the public internet. A variety of telecommunications links are used to connect devices over a larger geographical area. For example, here are different types of WAN connections: \n