LAN / WAN

LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network) are two types of networks used in computer networking.

LAN

• A LAN is a network that covers a small geographical area, such as a home, office, or school.

• It connects devices within the same location, allowing them to share resources and communicate with each other.

• LANs are typically faster and have lower latency compared to WANs.

• Common LAN technologies include Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

WAN

• A WAN is a network that covers a large geographical area, often spanning multiple cities, countries, or even continents.

• It connects multiple LANs and allows for long-distance communication.

• WANs are typically slower and have higher latency compared to LANs due to the longer distance between devices.

• WANs are often established using leased lines, satellite links, or internet connections.

Differences between LAN and WAN

• Size and Coverage: LANs cover a smaller area, while WANs cover a larger area.

• Distance: LANs operate within a short distance, typically a few hundred meters, while WANs can span across vast distances.

• Speed and Latency: LANs offer higher speed and lower latency compared to WANs.

• Ownership and Control: LANs are privately owned and controlled by a single organization, while WANs may involve multiple organizations and service providers.

Both LANs and WANs play important roles in network connectivity, with LANs providing local connectivity and WANs enabling global connectivity.

Public IP VS Local IP

A public IP address and a local IP address are two distinct types of IP addresses used in networking.

1. Public IP Address: A public IP address is a unique identifier assigned to a device connected to a network, such as the internet. It is provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and serves as the address used to communicate with devices outside of your local network. Your public IP address allows your device to connect to other devices and services on the internet.

2. Local IP Address: A local IP address, also known as a private IP address, is used within a local network to identify devices and facilitate communication. It is not directly accessible from the internet. Local IP addresses are typically assigned by a router or DHCP server and are used for internal network communication. They allow devices within the same network to communicate with each other and access shared resources.

The most common range of private IP addresses used in local networks are:

• IPv4: 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255, 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255, and 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255.

• IPv6: fc00::/7.

Public IP addresses are necessary for devices to communicate over the internet, while local IP addresses are used for communication within a local network. It's important to understand the distinction between the two when configuring network devices and understanding network communication.