8 difference between LAN & WAN

Majorly we can differentiate between LAN and WAN in below defined 8 points.

Physical Location

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a private computer network that connects computers and devices in small physical locations. such as several buildings inside a campus, a tiny office, a single structure, etc. Wide Area Network (WAN) are a form of computer network used to link offices spread across several regions. ISPs are the primary source of connection solutions for wide area networks (WAN).

Pricing

Local Area Network (LAN) bandwidth rates are higher. Local area networks (LANs) in use today operate at 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, or 10 Gbps bandwidth speeds. Compared to local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN) have lower bandwidth rates (LAN). Wide Area Networks today operate at 20 Mbps, 50 Mbps, or 100 Mbps of bandwidth.

Dependency

The bandwidth rates of local area networks (LANs) are nearly constant. The parameters of the LAN technology being used determine how much bandwidth a local area network (LAN) can support (Normally Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet). Budgetary constraints have an impact on the quality of wide area networks (WANs), as the majority of WAN connectivity options are dependent on Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Technology

Fast Ethernet 100 Mbps or Gigabit Ethernet 1/10 Gbps is the LAN standard used by the majority of today’s local area networks (LANs). Typically, technologies like MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) or VPN (Virtual Private Network over Internet) are utilized for WAN communication.

Reliability

Local Area Networks (LANs) are more reliable and secure than Wide Area Networks because they are private networks managed by specialized local network administrators (WANs). Wide Area Networks (WANs) are less reliable and secure because they need external service providers.

Implementation Cost

Local Area Networks (LANs) have minimal initial setup costs since the hardware needed to put them up is inexpensive. Wide Area Networks (WANs) have expensive initial setup costs because of the equipment (Routers, Firewalls, etc.), cables, and manpower needed.

Operational Cost

Operational costs for Local Area Networks (LANs) are lower however Operational costs for wide-area networks (WANs) are significant high. Wide Area Networks (WANs) typically have monthly access fees from service providers.

Congestion

Local Area Networks (LANs) are less congested than Wide Area Networks (WANs) (LANs).

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