As reliance on data connectivity scales exponentially, enterprise networking concepts like WAN and LAN advance in lockstep. But what exactly is the difference between these two approaches, and more importantly – when should IT leaders deploy one over the other? This expansive yet easily digestible guide examines that question from every salient angle, offering facts and recommendations showcasing advanced insight into modern networking. Readers will gain both strategic high-level perspective as well as technical acumen to architect optimal connectivity solutions matching their unique requirements.
A Brief History
To properly contrast WAN and LAN, it helps to understand their origins. Local area networks arose in the early days of networking from the need to link computer systems within a room or building. In fact Ethernet, developed at Xerox PARC in 1973, delivered one of the first standards to enable LAN implementation. As adopted by Digital, Intel and Xerox, Ethernet evolved rapidly to bring incredible speed and simplicity to local connectivity.
Wide area networks emerged more slowly in step with telecom network expansion across states and countries. The first packet-switched WANs arose in the 1960s from pioneering work at RAND Corporation and the National Physical Laboratory. But widespread adoption waited on more advanced carrier infrastructure and protocols like X.25, Frame Relay and eventually ATM and MPLS in the 90s. From early modem-based connectivity to today’s massive long-haul fiber networks, WAN technology continues advancing in lockstep with globalization.
So in summary, LANs arose from need for local speed while WANs slowly evolved with telecom reach. Both continue progressing today at an increasingly rapid pace.
Defining WAN and LAN
First let’s clearly define these two network acronyms before diving into details:
WAN Definition
Wide Area Network – A geographically dispersed telecommunications network that spans entire regions, countries and even the globe. WANs utilize carriers and often the public internet to transport data across extremely long distances.
LAN Definition
Local Area Network – A computer network limited to a small area such as an office building or even a residential home. LANs enable networking over shorter distances without reliance on telecom providers.
In summary:
- WAN = Wide connectivity across long distances
- LAN = Localized connectivity in a small area
Technical Architecture
Conceptually, LANs enable networking in a localized context while WANs connect larger geographic segments. The following diagrams depict typical LAN and WAN deployment architectures:
Figure 1 – Example LAN Architecture
Figure 2 – Sample WAN Connecting Multiple LANs
Note the WAN diagram spans writing centers across three cities, necessitating leased line or public internet connections. Contrast this to the localized LAN diagram servicing clients in a single office building.
While the diagrams depict a few common network elements, many additional components come into play facilitating data flow across infrastructures.
Key Components
Both WANs and LANs rely on specialized hardware and software to transport and route data:
LAN Components
Equipment commonly found on local area networks:
- Servers – File servers, print servers, communication servers
- Workstations – Computers, laptops, mobile devices
- Network Interface Cards – Enable devices to connect to network
- Routers – Connect LANs to WANs like the internet
- Switches – Intelligently direct traffic only to intended destinations
- Hubs – Simple devices that connect network segments
- Access Points – Allow WiFi device connectivity
- Cabling – Twisted pair, coax and fiber optic cable
- Software – OS, network/security/management software
LANs emphasize simplicity, speed and affordability over complex configurations found on WANs.
WAN Components
WANs incorporate LAN components but also include:
- Wide Area Media – Telephone, cellular, satellite, dark fiber, DWDM transport
- Long-haul Communications – MPLS, Metro Ethernet, Broadband
- Customer Premise Equipment (CPE)– Help provision service signal
- Unified Management – Centralized monitoring and management
- Telecom Partners– ILEC, CLEC, ISP and carrier services
- Termination Devices – CSU/DSU, modems, channel banks
This list reveals the dependence of WANs on both networking and telecommunications elements for connectivity. The integration brings complexity but enables transport at scale.
Coverage and Speed
Given their localized scope, LANs generally outpace WANs regarding speed although modernwide area solutions are catching up. Consider performance metrics in the following table:
| Metric | LAN Capability | WAN Capability |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Area | Single building | Global/Multi-Region |
| Speeds | 1Gbps+ | Up to 100Gbps |
| Latency | Sub 2 ms | 20ms or Higher |
| Jitter | Sub 2ms | 5-10ms Typical |
| Packet Loss | Under 0.1% | 0.1-5%+ |
| Up-time | 99.999% | 99-99.99% |
A few key takeaways based on the data:
- WANs enable vastly larger connectivity footprints crucial for world-wide infrastructure
- LAN throughput still eclipses most WAN deployments with 10Gbps LAN now common
- Latency, jitter and packet loss all adversely impact WANs over distance
- Both solutions aim for maximum reliability with five/six 9’s uptime
So in summary, physics impose technical constraints on WANs but modern infrastructure continues closing the gap. And for multi-site connectivity, WAN can’t be beaten on global reach.
Bandwidth Calculations
Comparing bandwidth also merits discussion. Consider requirements for a 100 user corporate LAN vs. connecting 20 offices with 50 users each over a domestic WAN:
LAN Bandwidth Estimate
- 100 Users at 10Mbps ea. = 1Gbps Internal Bandwidth
- Add 1Gbps Internet Bandwidth
- Total Bandwidth: 2Gbps
WAN Bandwidth Estimate
- 20 Sites x 50 Users per Site = 1,000 Users
- 1,000 Users at 5Mbps ea. = 5Gbps Bandwidth
- Add 2Gbps Internet Bandwidth
- Total WAN Bandwidth: 7Gbps
So while individual LAN speed outpaces WAN rates greatly, aggregate WAN bandwidth scales to significantly higher total levels. This facilitates constituencies accessing bandwidth globally.
Cost Comparisons
Given the localized nature of LANs, they shine regarding economical deployment and ongoing costs:
LAN Cost Structure
- Less hardware required
- No telecom costs like leased circuits
- Usually no recurring fees beyond internet bandwidth
- Less technical staff needed for management/monitoring
Result: Very low cost to deploy and run LANs
Contrast this to Wide Area Networks:
WAN Cost Considerations
- Telecom expenses like MPLS, Broadband, Dark Fiber
- Specialized CPE equipment required
- Trained IT staff needed for management, monitoring and troubleshooting
- Fulfillment/installation expenses through carriers
- Contract lock-ins and monthly access charges
Result: WANs entail large CapEx and OpEx costs
However, managed network providers continue innovating new ways to reduce WAN costs through SD-WAN and similar optimization technologies. This can cut expenses 30-50% over old-fashioned private WAN deployments.
Security
Data protection remains crucial for any network environment. Both LANs and WANs present cyber risks requiring safeguards:
LAN Security
- Generally more secure given limited access vectors
- But internal threats still compromise many networks
- Solid firewalls, endpoint protection and user policies essential
WAN Security Challenges
- Much greater exposure from external threats
- Distributed infrastructure escalates attack surfaces
- Requires strong perimeter and branch security
- Encryption, firewalls and threat monitoring strongly advised
Industry experts consider Wide Area Networks the front line for cyber incursion given internet-connected infrastructure. But all organizationsshould implement layered internal security regardless of networking scope.
Use Cases
Given technical and cost differences, what are good applications for LANs vs. WANs? Some common examples:
LAN Use Cases
- Local office network connectivity
- Engineering computer clusters
- University campus environments
- Small retail business networks
LANs provide excellent localized performance/value but lack geographic reach.
WAN Use Cases
- Multi-site business connectivity
- Cloud infrastructure interlinking global data centers
- Carrier network backbone transport
- Connecting distributed university campuses
- Supporting international corporate networks
Only Wide Area Networks can provide the scale and geographic scope for such demands. Before investing in expansive infrastructure however,先 identify current and future connectivity needs through network assessments.
Performance Metrics
How can IT admins monitor key metrics demonstrating network health for LANs and WANs?
Key LAN Metrics
- Internal Latency <5ms
- Packet Loss Under 0.5%
- Jitter Under 5ms
- Bandwidth Utilization <50% Capacity
- Up-time Approaching 100%
Key WAN Metrics
- Latency <60ms Regionally
- Packet Loss <2%
- Jitter <15ms
- Bandwidth Utilization <75%
- Approaching 99.99% Availability
Many network monitoring tools like SolarWinds, Zabbix and Wireshark provide visibility into these key metrics. When thresholds exceed targets, proactive alerting permits addressing issues before major performance degradation.
Troubleshooting Contrast
Given integral connectivity role, minimizing network downtime proves critical for both WANs and LANs. How do their troubleshooting compare?
LAN Troubleshooting
- Validate local connections/configurations
- Review infrastructure withMoved text up [from here] internal staff
- Thorough on-site testing enables isolation
- Replace suspect components if needed
Result: Highly swift local remediation potential
WAN Troubleshooting Challenges
- Dependence on external telco providers
- Advanced testing like BER requires expertise
- Pinpointing issues difficult across distribution
- May require dispatching field techs to remote sites
Result: Time-consuming triangulation across matrix potential points of failure
So while LAN disruptions usually resolve quicker internally, some WAN outages necessitate complex carrier coordination for service restoration. This requires strong vendor management practices.
Recommendations
What network infrastructure allows matching solution with requirements when considering LANs versus WAN?
LAN Recommendations
Routers: Cisco RV340 Dual WAN Gigabit Router – Fast reliable router with dual WAN ports and built-in firewall.
Switches: NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch – High performing yet affordable plug-and-play connectivity.
Wireless: Ubiquiti UniFi 6 Enterprise WiFi 6 Access Point – For robust, high-capacity wireless with 574Mbps throughput.
WAN Recommendations
Routers: Juniper MX240 5G Universal Routing Platform – Massive scale and performance for enterprise WAN routing.
Security: Fortinet FortiGate 100F Next-Generation Firewall – Top security and blazing fast threat protection speeds up to 36Gbps.
Optimization: Silver Peak Unity EdgeConnect SD-WAN Appliance – Converges WAN/internet links and improves performance.
Conclusion
Local networks emphasize localized performance connecting users in a constrained area or building. Wide networks offer global connectivity but with inherent latency and expenses scaling infrastructure. Understanding differences in speed, security posture and use cases helps IT leaders select optimal networking approaches matching requirements. Blending LAN and WAN infrastructure can also empower hybrid connectivity for organizations balancing localized and distributed computing across facilities.
