Networks - LANs and WANs

• What does connecting a device to another create?

  A network
• What do networks allow devices to do?

  Share information and resources
• What are the two types of networks mentioned?

  • LAN (Local Area Network)
  • WAN (Wide Area Network)
• What is a LAN?

  A local area network
• What does a LAN cover?

  A small geographical area
• Who owns the hardware for a LAN?

  The organization using it
• What are the two types of connections for LANs?

  Wired and wireless
• Where are LANs commonly found?

  Businesses, schools, and universities
• What devices can connect to a LAN?

  PCs, tablets, smart TVs, and printers
• What does WAN stand for?

  Wide Area Network
• What does a WAN connect?

  Multiple LANs in different locations
• Why are WANs more expensive to set up than LANs?

  They require more infrastructure
• What types of connections can WANs use?

  Fiber optics, satellite, and radio links
• How do LANs and WANs differ in terms of ownership?

  LANs are owned by organizations, WANs are not
• What is a key advantage of using a LAN?

  Easy file sharing among users
• What is a key advantage of using a WAN?

  Connects multiple locations
• What is a disadvantage of WANs?

  Higher setup and maintenance costs
• Why might an organization choose a WAN?

  To connect offices in different countries
• How do LANs facilitate collaboration?

  By allowing users to access shared files
• What is a common use of WANs in businesses?

  Connecting branch offices
• What is a disadvantage of LANs?

  Limited geographical coverage
• What is a benefit of using the Internet as a WAN?

  Global connectivity
• How do organizations manage WANs?

  Through telecommunications companies
• What is a key feature of WANs?

  They can span large distances
• What is a common characteristic of both LANs and WANs?

  They both connect devices
• Why is it important to understand LANs and WANs for an exam?

  They are fundamental networking concepts
• How do LANs and WANs impact organizational efficiency?

  By enabling better communication and resource sharing
• What can be shared between machines?

  Files
• What type of hardware can be shared among devices?

  Same hardware like printers
• What can be shared through an internet connection?

  Connection between devices
• What does LAN stand for?

  Local Area Network
• How can software updates be managed across computers?

  Install and update software on all computers at once
• How can users communicate easily?

  Using instant messaging
• Where can user accounts be stored?

  Centralized storage
• What can affect network performance?

  Many factors
• What is bandwidth?

  Amount of data transferred in a given time
• How does greater bandwidth affect network performance?

  Better network performance
• What can shared bandwidth cause?

  Congestion and slow network
• What can limit available bandwidth for users?

  Limiting bandwidth for individual users
• What type of connections are generally faster?

  Wired connections