WANs vs LANs

Difference between LAN and WAN course

Understanding the difference between LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network) is essential in networking, IT, and cybersecurity. This course explores the fundamental distinctions between these two types of networks, how they function, where they’re used, and their pros and cons. Whether you’re a student, IT professional, or just curious about how networks work, this guide provides a clear and comprehensive explanation.

What is LAN (Local Area Network)?

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices within a limited geographical area, such as a home, office, school, or building. LANs are usually private and owned by a single organization or individual.

Key Features of LAN:

  • Small Coverage Area: Typically within a single building or campus.

  • High Speed: LANs often provide faster data transfer speeds (e.g., 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps).

  • Low Latency: Due to short distance between devices.

  • Ownership: Usually managed by a single person or organization.

  • Common Technologies: Ethernet cables, Wi-Fi (wireless LAN).

What is WAN (Wide Area Network)?

A Wide Area Network (WAN) connects multiple LANs across large geographical areas such as cities, countries, or even continents. The most well-known example of a WAN is the Internet.

Key Features of WAN:

  • Large Coverage Area: Spans cities, countries, or globally.

  • Slower Speed Compared to LAN: Speed can vary depending on infrastructure.

  • Higher Latency: Due to the distance and multiple intermediate routers/switches.

  • Public or Private Ownership: Often maintained by service providers (ISPs or telecoms).

  • Common Technologies: Leased lines, satellite, MPLS, VPN.

Who Should Take This LAN vs WAN Course?

This course is ideal for:

  • Networking and IT students

  • Professionals preparing for CompTIA, Cisco, or networking certifications

  • Business owners planning network infrastructure

  • Anyone interested in how computer networks work

People credited with this unit standard are able to explain wide area computer networks (WAN`s), evaluate a wide area network (WAN), explain network administration.

This unit standard is intended to provide fundamental knowledge of the areas covered for those entering the workplace in the area of Data Communications & Networking. As additional knowledge for those wanting to understand the areas covered. People credited with this unit standard are able to explain wide area computer networks (WAN`s), evaluate a wide area network (WAN), explain network administration. The performance of all elements is to a standard that allows for further learning in this area.

Course Content
  • The explanation identifies the components of a WAN and outlines their purpose
  • The explanation identifies the purpose of a WAN
  • The explanation identifies and compares WAN configurations
  • The explanation identifies and compares WAN protocols
  • The explanation identifies and compares WAN transport media
  • The evaluation identifies the method of implementation of the WAN  
  • The evaluation distinguishes categories of the network components, their functions & examples 
  • The evaluation identifies and explains the features and constraints of the network from a functional perspective
  • The evaluation assesses the suitability of the network for its use 
  • The evaluation proposes and compares alternative network designs
 
  • The explanation identifies the tasks involved and outlines their requirements 
  • The explanation outlines, for a range of factors, how response times are affected
  • The explanation outlines the principles of network interconnections
  • The explanation outlines and explains network security administration procedures
  • Network administration documentation is completed
  • Non-accredited: Short course only  
  • Duration: 1h 30m
  • Delivery: Classroom/Online/Blended
  • Access Period: 12 Months 
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