Thursday, 4 April 2013

Differentiate LAN and WAN

Q.n. 1   Differentiate LAN and WAN

LAN
WAN
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
Speed:
high speed(1000mbps)
less speed(150mbps)
Data transfer rates:
LANs have a high data transfer rate
WANs have a lower data transfer rate as compared to LANs
Example:
Network in an organization can be a LAN
Internet is a good example of a WAN
Technology:
Tend to use certain connectivity technologies, primarily Ethernet and Token Ring
WANs tend to use technology like MPLS, ATM, Frame Relay and X.25 for connectivity over the longer distances
Components:
layer 2 devices like switches, bridges. layer1 devices like hubs , repeaters
Layers 3 devices Routers, Multi-layer Switches and Technology specific devices like ATM or Frame-relay Switches etc.
Set-up costs:
If there is a need to set-up a couple of extra devices on the network, it is not very expensive to do that
In this case since networks in remote areas have to be connected hence the set-up costs are higher. However WANs using public networks can be setup verycheaply, just software (VPN etc)
Geographical Spread:
Have a small geographical range and do not need any leased telecommunication lines
Have a large geographical range generally spreading across boundaries and need leased telecommunication lines
Bandwidth:
High bandwidth is available for transmission.
Low bandwidth is available for transmission
Geographical Area:
LAN covers 100 m
WAN covers more than 100 m

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