A local area network, wide area network, and worldwide network are all computer
networks, which are comprised of a group of computers connected to each other for
the purposes of communication and the sharing of data. A local area network, LAN,
is a computer networking system covering a small geographic location, such as a
home, office, or school. The computers on this network are connected through
Ethernet or wireless systems. A wide area network, WAN, is a computer network
that covers a broad geographic area, such as a region or nation. A wide area network
uses routers and public communication lines, such as phone carriers, to
communicate and transfer data. The largest form of a wide area network is the
Internet. Compared to a wide area network, a local area network has a faster rate of
data transfer, because of the smaller proximity, and has no need for
telecommunication lines. Lastly, a worldwide network is a global network,
expanding across the globe. Communication occurs across various transmission
facilities and phone carriers. The largest worldwide network is the worldwide web.
Works Cited:
Introduction to network types. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://compnetworking.about.com/od/basicnetworkingconcepts/a/network_types.
htm