![]() These wired connections can be faster since they’re not prone to interference. While modern routers are designed to connect computers and other devices wirelessly, they often have some physical ports on them as well where computers can connect directly, often using Ethernet cables. Once connected, these computers can access the Internet and other computers on the LAN, just like those that use Wi-Fi. The LAN ports are used to connect computers that don’t have Wi-Fi access using an Ethernet cable. This port is labeled either “WAN” or “Internet,” depending on the manufacturer. In all homes and most small businesses, the WAN port connects to a high-speed modem, like a DSL or cable modem, which in turn connects the router to the Internet. Most wireless routers have at least two ports: one WAN port and one or more LAN ports. The internet is the most prominent example of the WAN network type, though other wide area networks exist for scientific purposes, military and government work and to connect far flung offices and data centers within some big corporations. A wide area network usually traverses multiple geographical areas. A LAN can use wireless communication, wired connections or both. For instance, it’s not usually necessary to send a file to the public internet in order to get it to a printer on the same LAN. Devices on a LAN often use the LAN’s infrastructure to connect to the public internet, but they can often communicate with each other directly through the LAN more quickly. Different protocols, or rule systems, exist that let computers understand each other and transmit data.Ī LAN, or local area network, is a small network, often within a home or business or perhaps within a larger environment like a corporate office park or a college campus. WAN Vs LANĪ computer network simply means any set of computers and other devices like smartphones, smart TVs, video game systems and routers that are able to communicate back and forth with each other. Although a network connecting LANs in the same city, like a group of offices belonging to the same company, are usually called metropolitan area networks. The Internet itself is a type of WAN, because it covers the entire globe. WANs can be as large as a state, a country, or the world. ![]() ![]() Understanding WANsĪ WAN is a network covering any large geographic area. A Wi-Fi router is an example of a wireless access point. However, this distance can be extended by linking additional wireless access points to the network. A wireless LAN is usually limited to the radius of a wireless access point which can be a couple of hundred feet. The LAN can consist of computers, smartphones, TVs and tablets. Understanding LANsĪs its name implies, a LAN is a network limited to a small area, like a home or office, and is usually confined to a single building. This can be extremely useful when it comes to setting up a large or complex network. Using a combination of LAN and WAN connections makes it possible to connect networks that are spread across large distances. Wireless routers can also connect multiple networks together, even if they are located in different areas. ![]() On the other hand, if the router is connecting an entire network of computers across a large area, a WAN connection would be the better choice. For example, if the router is being set up within an office, a LAN connection would be more appropriate. If you take a look at your wireless router, you may see the abbreviations LAN and WAN, which are often next to some of the ports on the device. Knowing the difference between the two is essential in order to determine which type of wireless router is best suited for your network. LANs connect devices within a limited area, such as an office, while WANs connect devices that are spread across a large area, such as an entire country or even the world. When it comes to setting up a network, it’s important to understand the difference between Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN).
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