LAN & WAN (OCR A Level Computer Science) : Revision Note

Neil Southin

Written by: Neil Southin

Reviewed by: James Woodhouse

Updated on

LAN & WAN

What is a Local Area Network (LAN)?

  • LANs are networks that are contained within a  small geographical location 

  • Typically, all the hardware used to make a LAN is owned by a single entity

    • This makes them more secure than WANs, which have connections owned by third-party companies

  • A LAN is a network that is built using hubs and/or switches that connect several devices

  • It is common for one hub or switch to be connected to a router, which will allow the LAN to connect  to other networks, such as the Internet

  • A LAN can offer many advantages, such as:

    • Centralised management - A LAN allows centralised management of updates, backups and software installations

    • Security - A LAN can secure its devices with the use of firewalls, antivirus software and other security features to prevent unauthorised access

    • File Sharing and collaboration - A LAN allows users on the network to share resources such as printers and other peripherals. Users of the network can also collaborate and share files and folders

  • Disadvantages of a LAN include:

    • If hardware fails, the network may not function properly or even at all

    • Networks are more prone to attacks than standalone computers

    • Access to data and peripherals can be slow depending on network traffic when compared to locally stored data and locally connected peripherals

    • Maintenance - LAN networks require maintenance to ensure that software is up to date. Upgrades and backups can be costly

What is a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

  • WANs are collections of LANs spread over a large geographical area

    • E.g. a company may connect two LANs between two cities to create a WAN

    • The individual LANs are usually connected via third-party connections 

    • e.g. leased lines from ISPs or Telecommunications companies

Worked Example

The internet can be considered an example of a WAN.

Describe what is meant by the term ‘WAN’.                         

2 marks

How to answer this question:

  • For 2 marks, you need to make 2 points about what a WAN is

  • Since the question uses WAN as an acronym, it is a good idea to show you know what WAN stands for

Answer:

Example answer that would get full marks:

A WAN (short for Wide Area Network) is a network spread over a large geographical area such as a country.

Worked Example

A coffee company has coffee shops located across the country. Each shop has its own Local Area Network (LAN)

The company wants to connect the shops in a Wide Area Network (WAN).

Describe two characteristics of a LAN.                 

    2 marks

How to answer this question:

  • You need to make 2 points about how a LAN is different from a WAN:

    • LANs cover a small geographical area

    • The hardware that makes up the LAN is typically owned by one company

    • For this reason, a LAN is considered to be more secure than a WAN

Answer:

Example answer that would get full marks:

LANs are considered more secure than WANs since the LAN's connections are owned by the organisation that owns the LAN.

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Neil Southin

Author: Neil Southin

Expertise: Computer Science Content Creator

Neil has been a passionate Computing teacher for nearly 20 years, teaching Computing and ICT in a large Sixth Form College.

James Woodhouse

Reviewer: James Woodhouse

Expertise: Computer Science Lead

James graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in ICT and Computing education. He has over 14 years of experience both teaching and leading in Computer Science, specialising in teaching GCSE and A-level. James has held various leadership roles, including Head of Computer Science and coordinator positions for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. James has a keen interest in networking security and technologies aimed at preventing security breaches.

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