LAN, which stands for local area network, and WAN, which stands for wide area network, are two types of networks that allow for interconnectivity between computers. As the naming conventions suggest, LANs are for smaller, more localized networking — in a home, business, school, etc. — while WANs cover larger areas, such as cities, and even allow computers in different nations to connect. LANs are typically faster and more secure than WANs, but WANs enable more widespread connectivity. And while LANs tend to be owned, controlled and managed in-house by the organization where they are deployed, WANs typically require two or more of their constituent LANs to be connected over the public Internet or via a private connection established by a third-party telecommunications provider. Show
Local area networks (LANs) allow computers and devices that are near each other — and usually making use of the same switch or router — to connect to share files and complete tasks. Consisting only of everyday devices (e.g., desktops, laptops, tablets, printers), router and/or switch, and Ethernet cables or wireless cards, LANs are relatively inexpensive to set up and are commonly used in homes. Ethernet cables, like the Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6 and Cat6a, can be used to physically connect computers to the network. In the instances where fiber-to-the-home (or similar) is available, copper cabling may also be used at some point. Wi-Fi has become one of the most popular methods for wireless networking over a local network. What is a WAN?A wide area network (WAN) is used to connect computers that are not close to one another. It is possible — and almost always the case — that LANs are connected to WANs. This enables small home or office networks to connect to wider networks, such as those across state or country lines. Most WANs connect through public networks, like the telephone system, or via leased lines. The Internet, which connects computers all around the world, can be considered the largest WAN in existence. Many interconnected LANs can become part of a larger WAN.SpeedHow fast data can be transferred over a LAN or WAN depends on the quality and data transfer capabilities of one's hardware and cables. Having all the computers in a LAN physically connected to a router (or sometimes a switch) is the fastest way to transfer data between computers on a LAN. Moreover, using modern cables — Cat5e and better — will ensure the best data transfer speeds. WAN speeds are affected by a number of factors. The equipment used in LANs that are connected to WANs affects a user's experience, as does the type of cabling used in the wide area network itself. WANs are typically slower than LANs due to the distance data must travel. For example, data transfers between two different states in the U.S. are faster than data transfers between London and Los Angeles. High-quality, copper submarine cables are used to help speed up data transfers between nations. Wired vs. Wireless SpeedsWirelessly transferring data via Wi-Fi significantly slows down transfer speeds, as typical wireless technology has a theoretical maximum speed that is lower than a wired connection's theoretical maximum speed.[1] Wireless connections will also likely feel less reliable, as wireless signals may experience interference from other devices' signals, from separating walls, from radio waves, etc. If consistent high speeds are needed within a LAN or WAN, particularly for business or gaming purposes, one should be physically connected to the network. It is worth noting, however, that wireless technology has begun to "catch up" to wired technology in recent years. While the most reliable, high-speed connection is still one that is wired, wireless technology will likely feel just as comfortable for the average user. SecurityThe most secure computer is one that is not connected to any network. LANs are safer than WANs, just by the nature and scope of a wide area network. The more people involved in interconnectivity, the greater chance there is for foul play. Using proper router security settings can help protect computers that connect to a network. References
Share this comparison: If you read this far, you should follow us: "LAN vs WAN." Diffen.com. Diffen LLC, n.d. Web. 14 May 2022. < > In this introduction to networking, learn how computer networks work, the architecture used to design networks, and how to keep them secure. A computer network comprises two or more computers that are connected—either by cables [wired] or WiFi [wireless]—with the purpose of transmitting, exchanging, or sharing data and resources. You build a computer network using
hardware [e.g., routers, switches, access points, and cables] and software [e.g., operating systems or business applications]. Geographic location often defines a computer network. For example, a LAN [local area network] connects computers in a defined physical space, like an office building, whereas a WAN [wide area network] can connect computers across continents. The internet is the largest example of a WAN, connecting billions of computers worldwide. You can further
define a computer network by the protocols it uses to communicate, the physical arrangement of its components, how it controls traffic, and its purpose. Computer networks enable communication for every business, entertainment, and research purpose. The internet, online search, email, audio and video sharing, online commerce, live-streaming, and social networks all exist because of computer networks. As networking needs evolved, so did the computer
network types that serve those needs. Here are the most common and widely used computer network types: LAN [local area network]: A LAN connects computers over a relatively short distance, allowing them to share data, files, and resources. For example, a LAN may connect all the computers in an office building, school, or hospital. Typically, LANs are privately owned and managed. WLAN [wireless local area network]: A WLAN is
just like a LAN but connections between devices on the network are made wirelessly. WAN [wide area network]: As the name implies, a WAN connects computers over a wide area, such as from region to region or even continent to continent. The internet is the largest WAN, connecting billions of computers worldwide. You will typically see collective or distributed ownership models for WAN management. MAN [metropolitan area
network]: MANs are typically larger than LANs but smaller than WANs. Cities and government entities typically own and manage MANs. PAN [personal area network]: A PAN serves one person. For example, if you have an iPhone and a Mac, it’s very likely you’ve set up a PAN that shares and syncs content—text messages, emails, photos, and more—across both devices. SAN [storage area network]: A SAN is a
specialized network that provides access to block-level storage—shared network or cloud storage that, to the user, looks and works like a storage drive that’s physically attached to a computer. [For more information on how a SAN works with block storage, see Block Storage: A Complete Guide.] CAN [campus area network]: A CAN is also known as a corporate area network. A CAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. CANs serve sites such as colleges, universities, and business campuses. VPN [virtual private network]: A VPN is a secure, point-to-point connection between two network end points [see ‘Nodes’ below]. A VPN establishes an encrypted channel that keeps a user’s identity and access credentials, as well as any data transferred, inaccessible to hackers. Important terms and conceptsThe following are some common terms to know when discussing computer networking:
Examples of computer networksThe wired or wireless connection of two or more computers for the purpose of sharing data and resources form a computer network. Today, nearly every digital device belongs to a computer network. In an office setting, you and your colleagues may share access to a printer or to a group messaging system. The computing network that allows this is likely a LAN or local area network that permits your department to share resources. A city government might manage a city-wide network of surveillance cameras that monitor traffic flow and incidents. This network would be part of a MAN or metropolitan area network that allows city emergency personnel to respond to traffic accidents, advise drivers of alternate travel routes, and even send traffic tickets to drivers who run red lights. The Weather Company worked to create a peer-to-peer mesh network that allows mobile devices to communicate directly with other mobile devices without requiring WiFi or cellular connectivity. The Mesh Network Alerts project allows the delivery of life-saving weather information to billions of people, even without an internet connection. Computer networks and the internetThe internet is actually a network of networks that connects billions of digital devices worldwide. Standard protocols allow communication between these devices. Those protocols include hypertext transfer protocol [the ‘http’ in front of all website addresses]. Internet protocol [or IP addresses] are the unique identifying numbers required of every device that accesses the internet. IP addresses are comparable to your mailing address, providing unique location information so that information can be delivered correctly. Internet Service Providers [ISPs] and Network Service Providers [NSPs] provide the infrastructure that allows the transmission of packets of data or information over the internet. Every bit of information sent over the internet doesn’t go to every device connected to the internet. It’s the combination of protocols and infrastructure that tells information exactly where to go. How do they work?Computer networks connect nodes like computers, routers, and switches using cables, fiber optics, or wireless signals. These connections allow devices in a network to communicate and share information and resources. Networks follow protocols, which define how communications are sent and received. These protocols allow devices to communicate. Each device on a network uses an Internet Protocol or IP address, a string of numbers that uniquely identifies a device and allows other devices to recognize it. Routers are virtual or physical devices that facilitate communications between different networks. Routers analyze information to determine the best way for data to reach its ultimate destination. Switches connect devices and manage node-to-node communication inside a network, ensuring that bundles of information traveling across the network reach their ultimate destination. ArchitectureComputer network architecture defines the physical and logical framework of a computer network. It outlines how computers are organized in the network and what tasks are assigned to those computers. Network architecture components include hardware, software, transmission media [wired or wireless], network topology, and communications protocols. Main types of network architectureThere are two types of network architecture: peer-to-peer [P2P] and client/server. In P2P architecture, two or more computers are connected as “peers,” meaning they have equal power and privileges on the network. A P2P network does not require a central server for coordination. Instead, each computer on the network acts as both a client [a computer that needs to access a service] and a server [a computer that serves the needs of the client accessing a service]. Each peer makes some of its resources available to the network, sharing storage, memory, bandwidth, and processing power. In a client/server network, a central server or group of servers manage resources and deliver services to client devices in the network. The clients in the network communicate with other clients through the server. Unlike the P2P model, clients in a client/server architecture don’t share their resources. This architecture type is sometimes called a tiered model because it's designed with multiple levels or tiers. Network topologyNetwork topology refers to how the nodes and links in a network are arranged. A network node is a device that can send, receive, store, or forward data. A network link connects nodes and may be either cabled or wireless links. Understanding topology types provides the basis for building a successful network. There are a number of topologies but the most common are bus, ring, star, and mesh:
SecurityComputer network security protects the integrity of information contained by a network and controls who access that information. Network security policies balance the need to provide service to users with the need to control access to information. There are many entry points to a network. These entry points include the hardware and software that comprise the network itself as well as the devices used to access the network, like computers, smartphones, and tablets. Because of these entry points, network security requires using several defense methods. Defenses may include firewalls—devices that monitor network traffic and prevent access to parts of the network based on security rules. Processes for authenticating users with user IDs and passwords provide another layer of security. Security includes isolating network data so that proprietary or personal information is harder to access than less critical information. Other network security measures include ensuring hardware and software updates and patches are performed regularly, educating network users about their role in security processes, and staying aware of external threats executed by hackers and other malicious actors. Network threats constantly evolve, which makes network security a never-ending process. The use of public cloud also requires updates to security procedures to ensure continued safety and access. A secure cloud demands a secure underlying network. Read about the top five considerations [PDF, 298 KB] for securing the public cloud. Mesh networksAs noted above, a mesh network is a topology type in which the nodes of a computer network connect to as many other nodes as possible. In this topology, nodes cooperate to efficiently route data to its destination. This topology provides greater fault tolerance because if one node fails, there are many other nodes that can transmit data. Mesh networks self-configure and self-organize, searching for the fastest, most reliable path on which to send information. Type of mesh networksThere are two types of mesh networks—full mesh and partial mesh:
Load balancers and networksLoad balancers efficiently distribute tasks, workloads, and network traffic across available servers. Think of load balancers like air traffic control at an airport. The load balancer observes all traffic coming into a network and directs it toward the router or server best equipped to manage it. The objectives of load balancing are to avoid resource overload, optimize available resources, improve response times, and maximize throughput. For a complete overview of load balancers, see Load Balancing: A Complete Guide. Content delivery networksA content delivery network [CDN] is a distributed server network that delivers temporarily stored, or cached, copies of website content to users based on the user’s geographic location. A CDN stores this content in distributed locations and serves it to users as a way to reduce the distance between your website visitors and your website server. Having cached content closer to your end users allows you to serve content faster and helps websites better reach a global audience. CDNs protect against traffic surges, reduce latency, decrease bandwidth consumption, accelerate load times, and lessen the impact of hacks and attacks by introducing a layer between the end user and your website infrastructure. Live-streaming media, on-demand media, gaming companies, application creators, e-commerce sites—as digital consumption increases, more content owners turn to CDNs to better serve content consumers. Computer networking solutions and IBMComputer networking solutions help businesses enhance traffic, keep users happy, secure the network, and easily provision services. The best computer networking solution is typically a unique configuration based on your specific business type and needs. Content delivery networks [CDNs], load balancers, and network security—all mentioned above—are examples of technologies that can help businesses craft optimal computer networking solutions. IBM offers additional networking solutions, including:
Networking services in IBM Cloud provide you with networking solutions to enhance your traffic, keep your users happy, and easily provision resources as you need them. Build networking skills and get IBM Professional Certification through the courses within the Cloud Site Reliability Engineers [SRE] Professional curriculum. Sign up for an IBMid and create your IBM Cloud account. A local area network [LAN] is a collection of devices connected together in one physical location, such as a building, office, or home. A LAN can be small or large, ranging from a home network with one user to an enterprise network with thousands of users and devices in an office or school. is designed to connect a group of computers in proximity to each other such as in an office building, a school, or a home. A LAN is useful for sharing resources such as files, printers, games, or other applications. A LAN in turn often connects to other LANs, and to the Internet or wide area networks. A local area network connects devices within a relatively close proximity. A LAN can be deployed inside a home, office suite, building or corporate campus. The organization typically owns and maintains the network hardware and cabling. A wide area network [WAN] connects a group of computers in close proximity, such as in an office building, school, or home. |