Local Area Network (LAN)
- LAN normally operates within a compact area such as an Office Building or a Campus.
- LAN is capable of interconnecting a large number of computers and other devices within 1 Km.
- A LAN tends to use only one type of transmission medium.
- LANs are usually used for sharing printers, hard disk, hardware devices, and software applications (etc.).
- Physical medium is used for data transmission.
- Transmission medium used are UTP (Un-Shielded Twisted Pair) Cable, STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) Cable or Fiber Optic Cable.
- Data transmission Speed is high.(i.e.) 10/100 mbps
- Installation cost is low.
- Normally owned by a single organization.
- Success Rate of Data Transmission is almost 100%.
- (e.g.) Computer Labs of Institutions, Computer Network in an Office, etc.
Wide Area Network (WAN):
- WAN interconnects different Sites, User Terminals, and enable LANs to Communicate with each other.
- They exist in an unlimited geographical area.
- Used to Communicate to Nationwide or Worldwide.
- Transmission medium used are Telephone Lines, microwave and Satellite links.
- Devices used are HUB, Switches, Routers (etc.)
- Speed of Data Transmission is 1800 to 9600 bits per second.
- Very High Installation cost as Compare to LANs.
- Not owned by a single organization.
- Complex structure than LAN
- There is more chance of errors due to the distance data travels.
- Success Rate of Data Transmission is less than LAN.
- (e.g.) Internet, Network of all Branches of a Bank.