Lan vs

LAN vs WAN

• Local Area Network

– Bus connection that

supports multiple

computers

– Generally less expensive

than WAN for comparable

speed

– Span relatively short

distances

• Examples:

– Ethernet

– Token Ring

– FDDI

• Wide Area Networks

– Point-to-point or Multipoint

– Generally more expensive

compared to LAN for

comparable speed

– Can span large distances

– Depicted as lightning bolt

• Examples:

– 56K dedicated circuit

– T1, T3, OC3, OC12

– Frame-Relay

– ATM

Conclusion

We can classify network technologies as belonging to one of two basic groups. Local area network (LAN) technologies connect many devices that are relatively close to each other, usually in the same building. The library terminals that display book information would connect over a local area network. Wide area network (WAN) technologies connect a smaller number of devices that can be many kilometers apart. For example, if two libraries at the opposite ends of a city wanted to share their book catalog information, they would most likely make use of a wide area network technology, which could be a dedicated line leased from the local telephone company, intended solely to carry their data.

In comparison to WANs, LANs are faster and more reliable, but improvements in technology continue to blur the line of demarcation. Fiber optic cables have allowed LAN technologies to connect devices tens of kilometers apart, while at the same time greatly improving the speed and reliability of WANs

It connects computers and LANs over a larger geographical area.

It crosses public thorough-fares such as roads, railroads, and water

http://source.ccit.edu.cn/wyxx/computer/internet/jywygyw/001.pdf