This key facts covers Advantages and Disadvantages within LAN and WAN for GCSE Computer Science. Revise LAN and WAN in Networks for GCSE Computer Science with 15 exam-style questions and 16 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 8 of 10 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 8 of 10
Practice
15 questions
Recall
16 flashcards
Advantages and Disadvantages
LAN Advantages:
- Very fast: Gigabit speeds (1000 Mbps+) are standard
- Low cost: One-time hardware cost, minimal running costs
- Full control: Organization owns and manages everything
- High security: Physical access control, isolated from outside
- Reliable: No dependency on external providers
- Easy to manage: Small scale, centralized administration
LAN Disadvantages:
- Limited range: Only covers single building/campus
- Maintenance responsibility: Organization must fix problems
- Initial setup cost: Need to buy cables, switches, WiFi equipment
- Expertise needed: Requires IT staff to set up and maintain
WAN Advantages:
- Unlimited range: Connect sites globally
- Connects LANs together: Link office in London to office in New York
- Provider maintains: Telecoms company fixes infrastructure issues
- Scalable: Easy to upgrade speed by paying more
- Access to Internet: Billions of devices and resources worldwide
WAN Disadvantages:
- Slower speeds: Limited by distance and shared infrastructure
- High ongoing cost: Monthly rental fees to telecoms providers
- Less reliable: Dependent on third-party infrastructure
- Security risks: Data travels over public infrastructure
- Higher latency: Data takes longer to travel long distances
- No control: Can't fix issues yourself - must wait for provider