What is the difference between and lan a wan

Knowledge Base Toggle local menu Menus About the team. Knowledge Base Search. Log in. Options Help Chat with a consultant. A wireless router has two main roles: Internet sharing and protection. In order to receive data from the Internet, like email or Web pages, every computer connected to the Internet needs an Internet Protocol address, which is supplied by your Internet service provider.

The router acts as a gatekeeper between the LAN and the Internet. Other router features like encryption add even more security to the LAN.

Understanding LANs As its name implies, a LAN is a network limited to a small area, like a home or office, and is usually confined to a single building. Services Cloud Solutions Knowledge Base.

Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ Having all the computers in a LAN physically connected to a router or sometimes a switch is the fastest way to transfer data between computers on a LAN. Moreover, using modern cables — Cat5e and better — will ensure the best data transfer speeds. WAN speeds are affected by a number of factors. The equipment used in LANs that are connected to WANs affects a user's experience, as does the type of cabling used in the wide area network itself.

For example, data transfers between two different states in the U. High-quality, copper submarine cables are used to help speed up data transfers between nations. Wirelessly transferring data via Wi-Fi significantly slows down transfer speeds, as typical wireless technology has a theoretical maximum speed that is lower than a wired connection's theoretical maximum speed.

If consistent high speeds are needed within a LAN or WAN, particularly for business or gaming purposes, one should be physically connected to the network. It is worth noting, however, that wireless technology has begun to "catch up" to wired technology in recent years. While the most reliable, high-speed connection is still one that is wired, wireless technology will likely feel just as comfortable for the average user.

The most secure computer is one that is not connected to any network. The more people involved in interconnectivity, the greater chance there is for foul play. Using proper router security settings can help protect computers that connect to a network. Share this comparison:. If you read this far, you should follow us:. Remember that a LAN socket is needed to connect computers if there are several, and the WAN is needed to connect with the modem which allows you to receive a signal from the Internet provider.

Also, the ports differ in the data transfer rate. The speed of data transfer in a local network is often higher than the speed of downloading data from the Internet. This can be both because of a limitation in the levy plan from the provider, and due to the limitations of the connector itself. Therefore, devices can exchange data via Wi-Fi with each other at a high speed, provided that the network cards of the devices support this speed. LAN port is used to provide Internet access or files sharing facility to all the connected devices.

WAN port is used to provide Internet access by connecting with a modem or wireless broadband to all the connected routers. Networking Devices. In general, a modem has a LAN port for connecting to the WAN port of a router and a service-related port, such as a coaxial port cable modems or a telephone port DSL modems which connects to the service line. If you only have the modem, only an Ethernet-ready device, such as a computer, will be able to connect to the Internet.

To connect more than one device to the Internet, you will need a router. Some providers offer a combo device, which is a combination of a modem and a router, or wireless router, all in one. The LAN ports on the modem are intended for connecting to a local network, but they can always be made WAN, in the modem settings, if necessary.

All the functionality of the router is provided by the firmware that controls the router. If the firmware that a router manufacturer does not allow you to configure advanced networking features, you can usually install third-party, open-source firmware that provides full access to the capabilities of the router. The number of ports on a particular router depends on the specific model.