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Types of Networks (LAN, WAN, PAN)
Types of Networks (LAN, WAN, PAN)
A computer network is two or more computing devices connected together so that they can communicate and share resources. Networks are fundamental to modern computing — from the small Bluetooth connection between your phone and headphones to the global infrastructure of the internet.
This lesson covers the three main types of network you need to know for GCSE Computer Science: LAN, WAN and PAN.
Local Area Network (LAN)
A Local Area Network (LAN) covers a small geographical area, typically a single building or a campus of buildings. Examples include:
- A school network connecting all the computers in the building
- An office network linking workstations, printers and servers
- A home network connecting a laptop, phone, smart TV and printer
Key characteristics of a LAN
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Geographical size | Small — a single building or site |
| Ownership | Owned and maintained by the organisation or individual that uses it |
| Hardware | Typically uses switches, wireless access points and a router |
| Connection media | Ethernet cables (copper or fibre optic) and/or Wi-Fi |
| Speed | Generally high speed (100 Mbps to 10 Gbps on modern networks) |
| Cost | Low ongoing cost once installed, because the organisation owns the infrastructure |
Benefits of a LAN
- Resource sharing — printers, scanners and file storage can be shared between users.
- Internet sharing — a single broadband connection can be shared via a router.
- Centralised data — files stored on a server can be accessed from any workstation and backed up centrally.
- Communication — users can send messages, emails and share calendars internally.
- Software deployment — software can be installed and updated centrally across all machines.
Drawbacks of a LAN
- Security risk — if one machine is infected with malware, it can spread across the network.
- Setup cost — purchasing switches, cabling and servers requires an initial investment.
- Management — a network manager or technician may be needed to maintain the network.
- Single point of failure — if the central server or switch fails, the whole network may go down.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
A Wide Area Network (WAN) connects computers and LANs over a large geographical area — a city, a country or even the entire world. The internet is the largest and best-known example of a WAN.
Key characteristics of a WAN
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Geographical size | Large — cities, countries, continents |
| Ownership | Uses infrastructure owned by third parties, such as telecommunication companies |
| Hardware | Routers, leased lines, satellite links, undersea cables |
| Connection media | Fibre optic cables, telephone lines, satellite, microwave links |
| Speed | Varies — can be slower than a LAN due to distance and congestion |
| Cost | Higher ongoing cost because of leased lines and third-party infrastructure |
Examples of WANs
- The internet — a global WAN connecting billions of devices.
- A company connecting its London and New York offices over a leased line.
- An ATM (cash machine) network linking thousands of machines to a central bank server.
Differences between LAN and WAN
| LAN | WAN | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Small (single building/site) | Large (city/country/global) |
| Ownership | Owned by the organisation | Uses third-party infrastructure |
| Speed | Typically faster | Typically slower |
| Cost | Lower running costs | Higher running costs |
| Security | Easier to secure | Harder to secure due to scale |
Personal Area Network (PAN)
A Personal Area Network (PAN) is the smallest type of network and covers the area immediately around an individual person, typically within a few metres.
Examples of PANs
- Connecting a smartphone to wireless earbuds via Bluetooth
- Linking a laptop to a mobile phone for tethering (using the phone's data connection)
- Syncing a smartwatch with a phone
Key characteristics of a PAN
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Geographical size | Very small — typically within a few metres |
| Connection | Usually Bluetooth or USB |
| Devices | Personal devices (phone, tablet, headphones, smartwatch) |
| Speed | Relatively low compared to LAN |
Client-Server vs Peer-to-Peer Networks
Networks can also be classified by how they are organised:
Client-Server Network
In a client-server network, one or more powerful computers called servers provide services (files, printing, email, web pages) to other computers called clients.
- The server is always on and manages shared resources.
- User accounts, security and backups are managed centrally on the server.
- Used in schools, businesses and the internet.
Peer-to-Peer Network (P2P)
In a peer-to-peer network, all computers are equal — there is no dedicated server. Each device can act as both a client and a server.
- Easy and cheap to set up.
- No central management — each user is responsible for their own machine.
- Suitable for small networks (e.g. a home network or small office).
- Security is harder to manage because there is no central control.
| Feature | Client-Server | Peer-to-Peer |
|---|---|---|
| Central server | Yes | No |
| Security | Centralised, easier to manage | Decentralised, harder to manage |
| Backup | Centrally managed | Each user backs up their own files |
| Cost | More expensive (server hardware and software) | Cheaper to set up |
| Best for | Large organisations | Small networks or home use |
Summary
- A LAN is a network covering a small area, owned by the organisation.
- A WAN covers a large area and typically uses third-party infrastructure.
- A PAN is a very small network around an individual, often using Bluetooth.
- Networks can be organised as client-server (centralised) or peer-to-peer (decentralised).
Exam Tip: You may be asked to compare LAN and WAN. Make sure you can describe at least three differences, covering area, ownership and speed.