LANs & WANs - internet structure 2

Question 1

Give 2 types of networks

Answer 1

LAN - Local Area Network
WAN - Wide Area Network

Question 2

What is a LAN?

Answer 2

Any network that covers a small geographical area, typically located on a single site

• Tends to be owned and controlled by the organisation using it
• Typically connected using UTP cable, Fibre optic, Wi-Fi

Question 3

What is a WAN?

Answer 3

Wide Area Network is any network that covers a large geographical area

• When multiple LANs physically located in different areas are connected, it is known as a WAN
• The infrastructure that connects LANs to form a WAN is leased from a telecommunication company who own and manage it
• Typically connected by telephone lines, fibre optic cables, satellite links

Question 4

What is the difference between LAN and WAN?

Answer 4

LAN covers a small geographical area or a single site, for example a school whereas WAN covers a wide geographical area.