A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices within a small geographic area, such as an office building, school, or home.
- It’s typically limited to a single building or campus.
1.) Wired Local Area Network (Wired LAN)
A Wired Local Area Network (Wired LAN) is network connection that uses physical cables, typically Ethernet cables, to connect devices such as computers, printers, and servers within a specific area.
- This is the traditional form of LAN, where data is transmitted through copper or fiber-optic cables.
Key Characteristics:
- Physical Connections: Devices are connected using Ethernet cables (Cat5e, Cat6, or fiber optics).
- Stable and Reliable: Wired LANs offer consistent and high-speed connections because the data is transmitted through a controlled, physical medium.
- High Security: Wired connections are less vulnerable to unauthorized access as they require physical access to the network.
- Speed: Wired LANs generally provide faster speeds (up to 10 Gbps or more) compared to wireless networks, especially when fiber-optic cables are used.
- Setup Complexity: Installing and maintaining a wired network requires running cables, which can be more labor-intensive and costly than wireless networks.
- Limited Mobility: Devices are limited by the length of the cables, which restricts mobility within the network.
Example:
In a typical office, computers are connected to each other and to shared resources (like printers or file servers) through Ethernet cables. The central networking equipment, such as a router or switch, is also physically wired to the devices.
2.) Wireless Local Area Network (Wireless LAN or WLAN)
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a network connection that connects devices without the need for physical cables.
- Instead, it uses radio waves to transmit data between devices and wireless access points (WAPs). WLANs are commonly used in environments where mobility and flexibility are important.
Key Characteristics:
- No Physical Cables: WLANs use radio waves to transmit data, so there is no need for physical connections like Ethernet cables.
- Mobility: Devices connected to a WLAN can move freely within the coverage area while remaining connected to the network.
- Flexibility: Users can easily add new devices to the network without running additional cables.
- Speed and Range: WLANs offer varying speeds (up to 1 Gbps with modern Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 6) but generally have lower speeds and range than wired LANs. The speed decreases with distance from the access point.
- Security Concerns: Wireless LANs are more susceptible to security threats, such as unauthorized access or eavesdropping. This is why encryption protocols like WPA2 and WPA3 are important.
- Setup Simplicity: Setting up a wireless network is simpler as it requires fewer cables, and new devices can be added with minimal configuration.
Example:
In a home or office, devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets connect to a Wi-Fi router, which provides wireless internet access and network connectivity.
Comparison Between Wired and Wireless LANs
