LAN (Local Area Network) is a computer network covering a small geographic area like a home, office, or group of buildings. It connects more than one computer using technologies like Ethernet and Token Ring. Maintenance of a LAN is relatively low cost due to its small area. WAN (Wide Area Network) connects multiple LANs across a broader area that can span multiple buildings, cities, or countries. The Internet is an example of a worldwide public WAN. Maintaining a WAN is more difficult and costly than a LAN due to its larger geographic coverage. Technologies used include ATM, Frame Relay and X.25 to connect over longer distances.

1. LAN Network
LAN stands for Local Area Network. Local Area Network (LAN) is method of
connecting more than one computer. The scope of local area network is private network, single
building or small area up to few kilometers. To exchange information in different companies or
schools or universities used to connect personal computers and workstations.
WAN Network
A WAN (wide area network), is not restricted to a geographical location, although it
might be confined within the bounds of a state or country. A WAN connects several LANs, and
may be limited to an enterprise (a corporation or an organization) or accessible to the public. The
technology is high speed and relatively expensive. The Internet is an example of a worldwide
public WAN.
LAN vs. WAN
S.No Headings
LAN
WAN
1
Ownership:
Typically owned,
controlled, and
managed by a single
person or organization
2
Example:
Network in an
organization can be a
LAN
Internet is the best example of a WAN
Technology:
Tend to use certain
connectivity
technologies, primarily
Ethernet and Token
Ring
WANs tend to use technology like ATM,
Frame Relay and X.25 for connectivity over
the longer distances
Maintenance
costs:
Because it covers a
relatively small
geographical area,
LAN is easier to
maintain at relatively
low costs.
Maintaining WAN is difficult because of its
wider geographical coverage, and and is its
maintenance costs.
3
4
WANs (like the Internet) are not owned by
any one organization but rather exist under
collective or distributed ownership and
management over long distances

2. 5
Definition:
LAN (Local Area
Network) is a computer
network covering a
small geographic area,
like a home, office, or
group of buildings
WAN (Wide Area Network) is a computer
network that covers a broad area (e.g., any
network whose communications links cross
metropolitan, regional, or national
boundaries over a long distance
Set-up costs:
If there is a need to setup a couple of extra
In this case since networks in remote areas
devices on the
have to be connected hence the set-up costs
network, it is not very
are higher
expensive to do that
Connection:
one LAN can be
connected to other
LANs over any
distance via telephone
lines and radio waves
Computers connected to a wide-area
network are often connected through public
networks, such as the telephone system.
They can also be connected through leased
lines or satellites
8
Geographical
spread:
Have a small
geographical range and
do not need any leased
telecommunication
lines
Have a large geographical range generally
spreading across boundaries and need leased
telecommunication lines
9
Data transfer
rates:
LANs have a high data
transfer rate
WANs have a lower data transfer rate as
compared to LANs
6
7
10
Coverage
Area
A LAN (local area
network) is a group of
computers and network
devices connected
together, usually within
the same building
A WAN (wide area network), is not
restricted to a geographical location,
although it might be confined within the
bounds of a state or country.