THE BEECHMONT CREST NETWORKING GUIDE:
ONLINE GUIDE TO NETWORKING / NETWORK + EXAM OBJECTIVES
Part I: Introduction to Networking
LANS vs. WANs
Networks are classified by:
Geographical coverage
Size
The two most common networks are local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs).
Characteristics of a LAN:
- Restricted to a single geographic location (ex: office building / campus)
-Main function is to interconnect workstation computers for the sharing of files and network resources (printers, etc.)
-Compared to a WAN, is cheaper and easier to set up
Characteristics of a WAN:
-A network that spans more than one geographic location
-Often connects several LANS
-Slower than a LAN
-Often requires additional hardware: routers, dedicated leased lines, etc.
