What is the difference between LAN and WAN? [5]

| **Feature**       | **LAN (Local Area Network)**                                                                 | **WAN (Wide Area Network)**                                                                 |
|-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **Definition**    | A network that connects computers and devices within a limited geographical area (e.g., a home, office, or school). | A network that spans a large geographical area, connecting multiple LANs or cities/countries. |
| **Coverage**      | Limited to small areas (e.g., a room, building, or campus).                                | Covers large areas (e.g., cities, countries, or continents).                              |
| **Ownership**     | Typically owned and managed by a single organization (e.g., a school or company).         | Managed by multiple organizations (e.g., ISPs, governments, or telecom companies).         |
| **Speed**         | Faster data transfer speeds (e.g., 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps).                                     | Slower due to longer distances and multiple network hops (e.g., 1 Mbps to 100 Mbps).       |
| **Cost**          | Lower setup and maintenance costs.                                                          | Higher setup and maintenance costs due to infrastructure (e.g., leased lines, satellites). |
| **Technology**    | Uses Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or fiber optics for high-speed connections.                           | Uses technologies like leased lines, microwave links, satellites, or the internet backbone. |
| **Examples**      | Home network, office network, school network.                                               | Internet, VPNs, corporate networks spanning multiple cities.                               |
| **Control**       | Centralized administration (e.g., a single network administrator).                          | Decentralized administration (e.g., multiple ISPs or service providers).                   |
| **Security**      | Easier to secure due to limited access points.                                               | More vulnerable due to exposure to external threats (e.g., hackers, data breaches).       |
| **Distance**      | Covers a few meters to a few kilometers.                                                   | Covers hundreds to thousands of kilometers.                                                |