Introduction to Networks and its types LAN, WAN

What is Network? A Network is a collection of multiple devices that communicate with one another. It can be comprised of two computers or millions of devices.The image below perfectly depicts that how different devices are connected with a network.

Many types of networks exist, but they fall under two primary categories: LAN and WAN :-

1. Local Area Network(LAN): A Local Area Network (LAN) is a private network that connects computers and devices within a limited area like a residence, an office, a building or a college campus or school campus.The best application of LAN that is known to all of us is a Computer Lab.In this all computers are connected to each other in a LAN and all are connected to common output devices.The figure shows a computer network in LAN.

2. Wide Area Network(WAN): A Wide Area Network(WAN) is a form of telecommunication networks that can connect devices from multiple locations . WAN are the largest and most expansive forms of computer networks available.Internet connection is an example of WAN.Using Internet connection Data Exchange can take place from different devices across the globe.Employees from anywhere can use a business’s WAN to share data, communicate with coworkers or simply stay connected to the greater data resource center for that organization.

Wide Area Network(WAN)

Every LAN may or may not be with WAN but every WAN will be with LAN :-

We know that LAN is restricted to a very small area and hence it is used in office or college campus.But if we want to access a particular LAN from a remote location then the WAN comes into picture.So a WAN can access a LAN through a device called router , which acts as a Gateway for WAN.Commonly a WAN network connects multiple LAN together to create one much larger exchange of information. Let us consider some examples:

Consider an IT Company which have its offices at different locations.So here computers in one building are connected with LAN but to keep these all offices connected we have to use WAN with LAN.

Take one another example of Banks.Banks have different branches spread all over the country. Computer systems in each branch is connected with LAN.And all such branches are interconnected by WAN , hence one branch can access data of any account in the country from its location.

In a Computer lab of a school or a college every computers are in a LAN and uses common output devices like printer,etc.Here we don’t need a WAN as printer is to be accessed by only local network in the school.