Difference between LAN & WAN

LAN (Local Area Network):

1. LAN is a network within a geographical limit.

2. LAN is under the complete control of the owner i.e. Private

3. Data transmission speed is high.

4. Data transmission cost is low.

5. Fewer data transmission error occur.

6. Less Complexity.

7. More reliable.

8. Commonly star, bus and ring topologies are used.

9. The communication medium used for interconnection is generally a simple co-axial cable.

10. Due to shorter distances, problems such as propagation delay do not exist. So LAN can be used for time critical applications.

11. Local area network operates on the principle of broadcasting.

WAN(Wide Area Network):

1. WAN is a network that links separate geographical location.

2. WAN needs the involvement of another authority like the telephone company. i.e. Public or Private

3. Data transmission speed is low.

4. Data transmission cost is very high.

5. More data transmission error occur.

6. More Complexity.

7. Less reliable.

8. Commonly hybrid topology is used.

9. The communication medium used in WAN can be PSTN or satellite links due to longer distances involved.

10. Due to long distances involved, the problems such as propagation delay, variable signal travel time do exist. So WAN cannot be used for the time critical applications.

11. WAN operates on the principle of switching.

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