What is the difference between a LAN and a WAN?

To understand how your network works, first you need to understand the different types of networks that can be created: (these may be familiar to you already as we have come across them in the Building Your Basic Network section of the Learning Center.)

LAN, or Local Area Network, refers to computers and devices that are connected to your local network. All the devices that connect to your router in the home, office, or business are a part of your LAN.

WAN stands for Wide Area Network, which connects networks located over large geographic areas. The most commonly known WAN is the Internet.

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