Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
A conceptual diagram of a LAN at a residential house; the router in this case is assumed to also function as a wireless access point.Also shown in this example (shaded in yellow) is the network's connection to the Internet via fixed-line means.
For example, the sample diagram does not indicate the physical type of connection between the PCs and the switch, but since a modern LAN is depicted, Ethernet may be assumed. If the same style of line was used in a WAN (wide area network) diagram, however, it may indicate a different type of connection.
The textbook definition of a WAN is a computer network spanning regions, countries, or even the world. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] However, in terms of the application of communication protocols and concepts, it may be best to view WANs as computer networking technologies used to transmit data over long distances, and between different networks.
A LAN can be connected to a wide area network (WAN) using a router. The defining characteristics of a LAN, in contrast to a WAN, include higher data transfer rates , limited geographic range, and lack of reliance on leased lines to provide connectivity.
IEEE 802 is a family of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards for local area networks (LANs), personal area networks (PANs), and metropolitan area networks (MANs).
A PAN may be carried over wired interfaces such as USB, but is predominantly carried wirelessly, also called a wireless personal area network (WPAN). A PAN is wirelessly carried over a low-powered, short-distance wireless network technology such as IrDA, Wireless USB, Bluetooth, NearLink or Zigbee. The reach of a WPAN varies from a few ...
For example the fact a typical home router has 4 to 6 Ethernet LAN ports, so a router's switching capacity could be exceeded. Another example may be that a network device might require a non-standard port feature such as power over Ethernet (PoE). (IP cameras and IP phones).
If a network is a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), every LAN or WAN node that participates on the data link layer must have a network address, typically one for each network interface controller it possesses. Examples are computers, a DSL modem with Ethernet interface and wireless access point.