LAN vs WAN : What is the difference between LAN and WAN?

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.