Differentiate LAN and WAN

	LAN	WAN
Definition:	LAN (Local Area Network) is a computer network covering a small geographic area, like a home, office, schools, or group of buildings.	WAN (Wide Area Network) is a computer network that covers a broad area (e.g., any network whose communications links cross metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries over a long distance
Speed:	high speed(1000mbps)	less speed(150mbps)
Data transfer rates:	LANs have a high data transfer rate	WANs have a lower data transfer rate as compared to LANs
Example:	Network in an organization can be a LAN	Internet is a good example of a WAN
Technology:	Tend to use certain connectivity technologies, primarily Ethernet and Token Ring	WANs tend to use technology like MPLS, ATM, Frame Relay and X.25 for connectivity over the longer distances
Components:	layer 2 devices like switches, bridges. layer1 devices like hubs , repeaters	Layers 3 devices Routers, Multi-layer Switches and Technology specific devices like ATM or Frame-relay Switches etc.
Set-up costs:	If there is a need to set-up a couple of extra devices on the network, it is not very expensive to do that	In this case since networks in remote areas have to be connected hence the set-up costs are higher. However WANs using public networks can be setup verycheaply, just software (VPN etc)
Geographical Spread:	Have a small geographical range and do not need any leased telecommunication lines	Have a large geographical range generally spreading across boundaries and need leased telecommunication lines
Bandwidth:	High bandwidth is available for transmission.	Low bandwidth is available for transmission
Geographical Area:	LAN covers 100 m	WAN covers more than 100 m