What is the Difference Between LAN and WAN?

The main difference between a Local Area Network (LAN) and a Wide Area Network (WAN) lies in the geographical area they cover and the technology used for communication. Here are the key differences between LAN and WAN:

Area Covered: LANs connect devices within a limited area, such as an office, home, or school, while WANs connect devices that are spread across a large area, such as an entire country or even the world.
Ownership: LANs usually have private ownership and are controlled by a single organization, whereas WANs can have multiple owners and are often connected over the public internet.
Speed and Data Transfer Rate: LANs generally offer higher data transfer rates and lower propagation delays compared to WANs. This is because LAN devices are located in close proximity and connected through routers or switches using Ethernet.
Congestion: LANs typically experience less congestion because they support a more limited number of users than WANs.
Technology: LANs use technologies like Ethernet and Token Ring for connectivity within a building, while WANs use technologies like Frame Relay and X.25 for connectivity over longer distances. LANs usually operate on the principle of broadcasting, while WANs work on the principle of point-to-point communication.
Transmission Medium: LANs typically use co-axial or UTP cables as transmission medium, while WANs use technologies like PSTN or satellite links for communication over longer distances.

In summary, LANs are smaller, faster, and more localized networks, while WANs cover larger areas and are generally slower and more prone to congestion. LANs are typically owned and managed by a single organization, whereas WANs often involve multiple owners and require connection over the public internet.