Final answer:
A local area network (LAN) is a network that connects computers within a limited area, while a wide area network (WAN) connects LANs over a larger geographic area. LANs are faster, more reliable, and cheaper, but have limited distance and a single point of failure. On the other hand, WANs offer wide geographic coverage and global connectivity, but have lower speed and higher cost.
Step-by-step explanation:
A local area network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices within a limited area, such as a home, school, or office building. LANs are typically faster and more reliable than wide area networks (WANs) because they cover a small geographic area.
On the other hand, a wide area network (WAN) connects LANs over a larger geographic area, such as different cities or countries. WANs are slower and less reliable than LANs because they span a larger distance and rely on external communication lines, such as telephone lines or satellite links.
Some advantages of LANs include:
High Speed: LANs provide fast data transfer rates, allowing for quick file sharing and communication between connected devices.
Low Cost: Setting up a LAN is typically cheaper than implementing a WAN, as LANs require less equipment and infrastructure.
Secure: LANs can be secured with firewalls, encryption, and other security measures to protect sensitive data from external threats.
Some disadvantages of LANs include:
Limited Distance: LANs are limited to a specific area, so devices outside the LAN need to connect via a WAN to access resources.
Single Point of Failure: If the central switch or server in a LAN fails, the entire network may be affected.
Some advantages of WANs include:
Wide Geographic Coverage: WANs allow for communication and resource sharing between different locations, regardless of distance.
Global Connectivity: WANs enable connectivity between devices located in different countries, enabling global collaboration.
Some disadvantages of WANs include:
Lower Speed: WANs have lower data transfer rates compared to LANs due to the larger distance and reliance on external communication lines.
Higher Cost: Implementing and maintaining a WAN can be more expensive than a LAN due to the need for leased lines or satellite links.