Deep Dive: Why Network Types Matter
This deep dive covers Deep Dive: Why Network Types Matter within LAN and WAN for GCSE Computer Science. Revise LAN and WAN in 3.5 Fundamentals of Computer Networks for GCSE Computer Science with 18 exam-style questions and 16 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 3 of 11 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 3 of 11
Practice
18 questions
Recall
16 flashcards
Deep Dive: Why Network Types Matter
Networks are classified by their geographical spread. Understanding LAN vs WAN is crucial because:
- Different costs: LANs use your own cables/WiFi (one-time cost). WANs use telecoms infrastructure (ongoing monthly fees)
- Different speeds: LANs can be 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps). WANs typically 10-100 Mbps (limited by distance and infrastructure)
- Different ownership: You control your LAN (security, upgrades). You rely on third parties for WANs
- Different reliability: LANs have minimal latency. WANs can have delays, packet loss, congestion
The key principle: As networks grow larger, they get slower, more expensive, and more complex to manage. But they also connect more devices and span greater distances!
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in LAN and WAN. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for LAN and WAN
What does LAN stand for?
State three differences between a LAN and a WAN. [3 marks]
Quick Recall Flashcards
18 questions on LAN and WAN — practise free
Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 16 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.
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