LAN and WAN

LAN and WAN are terms used in connection with computer networks. When all the computers in a small area such as building are connected, the network is called a Local Area Network or LAN. When a network stretches across a large area like a city or a country, it is called a wild Area Network or WAN. A WAN is not restricted to a geographical location, and connects several LANs. The technology is high speed, and is relatively expansive. The internet is an example of a world wild public WAN.

WLAN

The term WLAN stands for wireless Local Area Network. This means that the computers are connected, not through telephone wires or cables, but through wireless signals. WLAN uses radio waves for communication between computers. A central transmitting and receiving station called the router, controls the individual computers on the network. WLAN can be used for both private networks, and internal company networks.

internet developed

The beginnings of the internet can be traced to the US. Department of Defense’s plan to create a wide area network that would allow different computers running various operating system to share information between them. The network, established in 1969, was known as the ARPANet. ARPANET’s development created a single base for different data transmission mechanism, which in 1973, become known as the internet.