What Is the Difference Between Wan and Lan?
Wide Area Network (WAN) is a computer network that allows devices within a wide geographic area to be connected to each other and share data. WANs are used to connect computers in different parts of the world and can cover large areas. WANs benefit businesses, organizations, and government agencies as they provide an efficient way to communicate and exchange information over large distances.
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a system of interconnected computers that communicates and shares resources over a smaller area compared to a WAN.
LAN is one of the most widely used methods of connecting devices on a small scale. In fact, it can be found in homes, offices, schools, and even larger organizations. As you will read later, there is no reason for most people to consider using a WAN.
Wan vs Lan: How Do They Affect Your WiFi
When it comes to WAN vs LAN, both networks can affect your internet speed. However, there are a few aspects to know.
In a WAN, the connection provided by your Internet Server Provider (ISP) defines the speed. Thus there will be multiple factors affecting the speed, such as
- the WiFi network congestion,
- the quality of your router, or
- any bandwidth limitation.
In a LAN, the speed might change depending on:
- the router or
- the LAN cables used to connect the devices.
- Outdated hardware or cables can heavily affect the performance of your internet.
Nonetheless, it is important to remember that more factors affect the speed of your WiFi. For example, choosing the right WiFi frequency can affect the internet performance. Likewise, using a WiFi extender can solve most signal issues.
Therefore, it is important to understand where are your internet constraints before looking for a solution.