Several components with unique functional features are used to build a Network. The names of many of these processes, components, and functions have been contracted and turned into acronyms for convenience of usage. Two such network domain acronyms are LAN and WAN. Each of these acronyms plays a critical role in ensuring a business has the best working network in town! In the later sections of this article, let us get to know more about the difference between LAN and WAN.
Understanding the Fundamental Differences: LAN vs WAN
Organizations are offered network options based on their business needs and geographic location. Two primary options for enterprises, distributed businesses, campuses, and offices are Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN). Both are modern network technologies that connect devices and optimize communications. But there are significant differences in their scope and applications. Let us take a quick look at the basic differences between LAN and WAN.
Local Area Network (LAN):
A LAN refers to a network of interconnected devices within a limited geographical area, such as a single building, office, or campus. LANs are ideal for small to medium-sized organizations for faster, more efficient, and cost-effective sharing of resources like printers, files, and applications. LANs enable rapid data transfer speeds with minimal latency.
LAN Topology and Benefits
LAN topology can be as a star, bus, ring, or mesh, with the star being a central hub or switch; bus topology uses shared communication; ring networks are closed-loops; and mesh topology connects each device to multiple others.
The benefits of LAN include stronger security, faster communication in collaborative work environments, resource sharing, simplified network management, administration and more.
LAN technologies
The various LAN technologies businesses use are:
- Ethernet: A very popular LAN technology, Ethernet allows direct connection of the computer to the LAN network. This technology ensures network disruptions are at their lowest and data transfer is quick and seamless. A unique capability of Ethernet is that it can also connect directly with WAN networks for optimized data transfer.
- Asynchronous Transfer Mode: A typical telecom technique, it allows organizations to transfer all forms of signals into a single LAN network.
Wide Area Network (WAN):
Most organizations choose their networks based on geographic needs. Considering that, WAN is preferred for a broader geographical area and devices located far away from each other or remotely. A WAN often connects multiple LANs, with the internet being the best example of such a network. These interconnections are made using many technologies, like – leased lines, satellite links, and dedicated connections.
WAN Topology and Benefits
WANs use a mix of topologies for complex network needs like, point-to-point connections, virtual private networks (VPNs), or cloud-based networks.
WANs offer many benefits, including secure and reliable communication and data sharing between remote locations. But all the connections are centrally managed and controlled, allowing organizations to have a standardized network policy and security measures. But the most important benefit is that, with WAN, businesses can quickly adopt a cloud-based service model if they need to scale.
Thus, the differences between LAN and WAN show significant differences in the scope and abilities they can offer businesses.
WAN technologies
The various WAN technologies used by businesses are:
- Packet switching: This is one of the most important WAN technologies, as it is used to send large amounts of data across a WAN network. In packet switching, data is separated into different packets. These packets travel independently to the destination and reassemble once they arrive there. This method is seen as a safe and secure way to transmit data.
- Router: The main use of a router is to connect WAN and LAN technologies. The main function is that of a traffic controller for data packets. In applications such as emailing, browsing a web page, or downloading a document, routes transfer data between the WAN and LAN network.
Conclusion
In essence, an organization needs to utilize multiple telecommunication and network technologies to remain competitive. Having understood the concept of LAN vs WAN, businesses can efficiently deliver personalized customer experiences.
Summary
Organizations can build effective communication capabilities by incorporating the ideal technology for their business needs. Understanding these technologies helps organizations leverage their inward-call functionality for seamless communication, while having a grasp of the differences between LAN and WAN helps them fully optimize network infrastructures.
