What is the difference between local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs)?

Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs) are two types of computer networks that are used to connect devices and computers together. Although they share similarities, they differ in their scope, speed, and cost.

A LAN is a network that connects devices in a small area, such as a home, school, or office building. A LAN can be wired or wireless and typically has a limited range of up to a few hundred meters. The speed of a LAN is usually very high, with data rates of up to gigabits per second. LANs are commonly used to share resources such as printers, files, and internet connections.

A WAN, on the other hand, is a network that spans a large geographical area, such as a city, country, or even the entire world. WANs typically connect multiple LANs and use various technologies, such as leased lines, satellites, and the internet. The speed of a WAN is usually much slower than a LAN due to the distance that the data has to travel. WANs are commonly used by businesses to connect remote offices and for internet access.