LANs and WANs

There are two types of network:

• LAN - Local Area Network
• WAN - Wide Area Network

Local Area Network (LAN)

A LANLAN: A Local Area Network covers a small area such as one building eg in a school or a college. is a Local Area Network covering a small area such as one building e.g. in a school or a college.

Within a LAN, computers and other hardware devices are connected to the file server. This allows the computers to share resources.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A WANWAN: A Wide Area Network covers a large geographical area. is a Wide Area Network covering a large geographical area.

Within a WAN, many terminals are connected to the host computers. This allows networks to be cover a large geographical area.

• The InternetInternet : A global network connecting millions of computers. is a WAN.
• A network of bank cash dispensers is a WAN.
• A school network is a LAN.
• LANs are often connected to WANs, for example a school network could be connected to the Internet.

Telephone lines are often used to connect WANs. LANs use dedicated cables or wireless technology.