1. LAN & WAN
Justin Huey

2. LAN (Local Area Network)
A network of connected devices within the same area
Usually connected through Ethernet (wired LAN) or by WiFi (WLAN)
Benefits:
Allows sharing of expensive machines (laser printers, etc.)
Computers in an office can be centrally managed

3. Types of Lans Personal Computer LANs (Homes or Offices)
Back-End Networks
The key is to reliably transfer a large amount of data
Storage Area Networks
A network to explicitly handles storage
High Speed Office Networks
Offices that frequently use fax machines, document image processors, or graphics programs
Factory LANs
Automated equipment in a factory setting connects to this type of LAN to control the machines
WLANs
WLANs are becoming much more popular than wired LANs due to smartphones and other mobile devices (wireless printers, etc.)

5. Lan Party
A gathering of people brining their computers to the same physical space to connect to the same network in order to play the same game
Allows for a much better connection, cutting out lag

6. WAN (Wide Area Network)
A communications network spanning across large geographical areas (Cities, States, Countries)
Consists of two or more LANs
Can be private (connect businesses) or public (connect smaller networks)
Used to transfer data, audio, video
*The internet is the world’s largest WAN

7. How WAN WorkS
Four different ways to establish a WAN connection (Circuit switching, packet switching, cell relay, and leased lines)
Leased lines are the most common
Creates a point to point connection through fiber optic cables to connect the sites
At the end of each line a router connects the LAN to the other LAN
Generally used by large businesses and organizations
Recently, smaller companies have started using them

9. Differences between lan & wan
LANs
Faster speeds due to distance
Cheaper and easier to set up and to keep running
More secure
WANs
Covers a much larger area

10. References https://howdoesinternetwork.com/2011/wan