A computer network is undoubtedly the backbone of most of the organizations in this technological era. LAN and WAN are the two most popular types of computer networks. However, there are a few differences. In this article, we are discussing the major differences between LAN and WAN. Let's first understand both with the definitions:

LAN (Local Area Network)

A LAN is a group of computers and other network devices attached within a limited area like a house, a building, an office, an entire campus, etc. It is a widely used network of devices and can be set up in a limited geographical area without investing a huge cost like other networks. In most cases, LAN is used to form a network to share resources like printers, scanners, or files like audio, video, movies, software, games, etc. The simplest kind of LAN example is a connection formed between a computer and a printer within a house. Typically, it is a medium that helps transfer data across devices in a limited range area.

Few advantages of using a LAN are listed below:

• Data can be transferred from one device to another networked device without any issue.
• Data can be stored centrally in a single storage disk of the server computer. It will be a lot easier to secure the data in a single disk than all the separate disks. This also helps in data management.
• LANs allow administrators to share a single internet connection across all the other connected devices.
• Instead of purchasing any paid software for each system, users from different systems can use the same software from the server's main computer over the network.

Computer peripherals like hard-disk, Optical Disk Drive, and printer can share local area networks that will reduce the hardware purchases' overall costs. Using LAN, multiple computers can use the same printer or other connected devices.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

WAN is an essential computer network that extends over a large geographical area. It can cover distances between states or countries. WAN is comparatively much larger than LAN or MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) and relatively more expensive. Because of its cost and complex setup, WANs are not usually owned by one organization. Wide area networks are established using several LANs attached by telephone lines or radio waves. Typically, these types of networks are organized using high-end telecommunication circuits. The Internet, a kind of public network, is an example of the largest wide area network.

Advantages:

Few advantages of using a WAN are listed below:

• WAN enables users to establish a connection over a large geographical area. This is helpful for the organizations having offices at a large distance. They can communicate with other offices easily.
• The data is organized in a centralized manner. It helps users to access or manage the data easily. This is helpful when using emails, files, or backup servers. Users don't have to pay for these resources for each office or branch separately.
• WAN allows users to communicate over the instant messaging system. Applications like Whatsapp, Telegram, and Skype, have made it easier for people to connect with their friends or family.
• Using WAN, companies work on the live server. Thus, the developers and programmers have instant access to the updated files within seconds. This helps in increasing productivity.
• Due to a public network, people can organize their business over the Internet globally.

Key Differences between LAN and WAN

Few key differences between LAN and WAN are listed below:

• LAN is a computer network established within a small geographic area, such as a house, office or buildings. WAN, on the other side, is a computer network that covers a broad geographical area.
• LANs allow users to transfer the data faster, whereas WANs have a comparatively slower data transfer rate.
• LAN has a higher speed, whereas WAN has a slower speed.
• Designing, setup and maintenance in LANs are relatively easy while designing, setup, maintenance is difficult in WANs.
• Fault tolerance is high in LANs, whereas WANs have less fault tolerance.

Major Differences between LAN and WAN

The other major differences between a local area network and a wide area network can be explained in a tabulated form, as below: