LAN's and WAN's

A computer network is a number of computers linked together to allow them to share resources. Networked computers can share hardware, software and data. Most computer networks have at least one server. A server is a powerful computer that provides one or more services to a network and its users. For example, file storage and email. LANs and WANs There are two main types of network: Local Area Network (LAN) Wide Area Network (WAN) LAN A LAN covers a small area such as one site or building, eg a school or a college.

LAN - Local Area Network WAN A WAN covers a large geographical area. Most WANs are made from several LANs connected together.

Shows a WAN, made from several smaller networks, which could be local area networks (LAN). Each of the smaller networks has it's own server and multiple workstations connected. WAN - Wide Area Network The Internet is a WAN. A network of bank cash dispensers is a WAN. A school network is usually a LAN. LANs are often connected to WANs, for example a school network could be connected to the Internet. WANs can be connected together using the Internet, leased lines or satellite links.