Networking
LAN
A local area network (LAN)is a computer network covering a small geographic area, like a home, office, or group of buildings e.g. a school. The defining characteristics of LANs, include their much higher data-transfer rates, smaller geographic range, and lack of a need for leased telecommunication lines.
Ethernet over unshielded twisted pair cabling is most common technologies currently.
WLAN
A wireless LAN or WLAN is a wireless local area network, which is the linking of two or more computers without using wires. WLAN utilizes spread-spectrum or OFDM modulation technology based on radio waves to enable communication between devices in a limited area, also known as the basic service set. This gives users the mobility to move around within a broad coverage area and still be connected to the network.
For the home user, wireless has become popular due to ease of installation, and location freedom with the gaining popularity of laptops.
WAN
Wide Area Network (WAN) is a computer network that covers a broad area. It is a network that uses routers and public communications links.
WANs are used to connect LANs and other types of networks together, so that users and computers in one location can communicate with users and computers in other locations. Many WANs are built for one particular organization and are private. Others, built by Internet service providers, provide connections from an organization's LAN to the Internet. WANs are often built using leased lines. At each end of the leased line, a router connects to the LAN on one side and a hub within the WAN on the other. WANs can also be built using circuit switching or packet switching methods.
