LAN vs. WLAN- What is the difference?

If you take your wireless router, you are likely to spot abbreviations like LAN and WLAN, which is often next to some ports on the device. LAN stands for Local Area Network, while WLAN refers to Wireless Local Area Network.

Whether it is surfing the internet, streaming 4K quality videos, or playing online games, a high percentage of people regularly access the internet. As a result, people are always on the lookout for ways to make their connections more stable, faster, and cheaper. Nowadays, every device imaginable, including computers, laptops, mobile phones, game consoles, and other consumer electronic gadgets, can seamlessly connect to the internet. The only thing that varies is the type of network coverage used to connect to it.

Two of the most popular types of internet network connections are Local Area Network (LAN) and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Let us compare these two types of network coverage and determine which is the more reliable and efficient connection.

What is the difference between LAN and WLAN?

	LAN	WLAN
Type of connection	Both wired and wireless connections	Completely wireless connections
Setup costs	Cheap and more secure than WLAN	More expensive and less safe than LAN
Installation	Difficult to install	Easy to install
Performance	Decent performance with minimal interruptions	High performance and can be easily interrupted

LAN vs. WLAN – How do they compare?

Type of connection

A Local Area Network (LAN) consists of a network that interconnects various computers within a limited vicinity, like a school, residence, building, or laboratory. It is beneficial for sharing information and resources and comes with relatively inexpensive hardware, such as network adapters, Ethernet cables, and hubs. Although it consists of both wired and wireless connections, it mainly relies on its wired connections for improved speed and performance.

Alternatively, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a computer network that allows various interconnected devices to share data and communicate efficiently and through wireless connections. Unlike with the LAN network, which requires the use of an Ethernet cable, devices on WLAN communicate via a wireless distribution method that allows internet connections through an access point.

WLAN is, therefore, more efficient and flexible as it allows an entirely wireless connection to various devices.

Setup costs

Although LAN requires various components, such as a network switch and Ethernet cables, to function correctly, it is easy and cheap to set up. Its technological components consist of a less advanced infrastructure that is easy to understand, allowing hassle-free connectivity. The network is also entirely secure as its resources are local, meaning it can be easily managed in-house.

On the other hand, the initial setup cost for WLAN networks generally more expensive than that of LAN due to the purchase of plenty of hardware during the installation and setup process. In addition to paying for the access points, users also have to pay professionals to set up the entire network in their vicinity. Likewise, this type of network requires regular maintenance to ensure it performs at its best, which requires professional assistance.

WLAN networks are also less secure than LANs as it is easy to eavesdrop, gain unauthorized access, and hijack a session, among many others. However, users can incorporate various authentication and encryption techniques, such as WPA/WPA2 and WEP, to counter such issues

Installation

Compared to WLAN, LANs are more challenging to install since it consists of mainly wired connections. As a result, users need a certain level of prowess to connect their various hardware components, including an Ethernet cable, router, and modem, to ensure the network functions correctly. Its installation process is also quite time-consuming.

WLANs consist of completely wireless connections, meaning it requires no cables to operate. Therefore, it is a flexible data communication system and is ideal for use in frequently changing environments.

Performance

Generally, LAN connections feature high-speed performance with an average bandwidth of 100Mbps. Similarly, most of its connections via Fast Ethernet cables have a rate of 100Mbps, while those on an ordinary Ethernet cable have a speed of 10Mbps. Gigabit Ethernet features a speedy performance of 1000Mbps.

Wireless LANs are somewhat slower than wired LANs as they are limited to a maximum theoretical speed of 54Mbps. More so, this type of connection experiences more interruptions, like those from bad weather, than LANs.

Therefore, LAN has a more superior performance with limited interruptions than WLANs.   

LAN vs. WLAN – A comparison review

Local Area Network (LAN)

A Local Area Network (LAN) refers to a relatively small computer network, such as a building, room, or home, which allows efficient sharing of resources and data. Most LANs are responsible for connecting personal computers and workstations. Each computer (node) in a LAN network has its own CPU that allows it to access data and other devices and execute programs on the LAN. As a result, various connected users can seamlessly share resources, such as printers, to communicate with each other by engaging in chat sessions and sending emails.

LANs can also connect to other LANs over a distance through radio waves and telephone lines. Likewise, this type of network has high speeds and consists of various types. Ethernet LANs are one of the most popular types of LANs used today.

Pros

• Fast performance
• Secure
• Cheap initial setup costs
• Limited interruptions

Cons

• Not flexible to use due to its wired connections
• The installation process is time-consuming

Wireless LAN

As the wireless alternative to wired LAN, WLAN is a flexible and convenient data communication network that allows users to access the internet through its access points seamlessly. It does not require the use of Ethernet cables, and its operation is base on the IEEE 802.11 standards. WLAN uses high energy radiofrequency waves to transmit data to various connected devices. Since these waves connect through space, there is no need for any physical connections.

However, these radio frequency waves can experience numerous obstructions from other electronics that use the same waves, like mobile phones and microwaves, as well as physical obstacles, like walls and trees. As a result, such interruptions greatly minimize its signal strength and speed.

WLANs also require an infrastructure mode and an access point to enable its users to access the internet. Therefore, users need to employ professionals to ensure the network is working optimally and regular maintenance. When properly installed, WLANs provide reliable, convenient, and flexible performance and strong signal strength.

 Pros

• Flexible and convenient to use
• Easy to access
• High performance
• Secure

Cons

• It can experience several interruptions when not correctly installed

Conclusion

Both LAN and WLAN connections are excellent modes of connections available to users with a small area, like a building, school, or home. They both offer impressive performance and speed while ensuring the connected devices are secure.

Final verdict: So, which is better? LAN or WLAN?

Considering all factors, WLAN is a better, flexible, and reliable means of network connection than LAN. Its wireless nature allows users to move up and about, and remain connected as long as they are within range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LAN used for?

LAN connects various computers within a localized area, such as a home or office, using wired and wireless connections. It also connects multiple periphery devices, like printers, to connected users.

Are WLAN and Wi-Fi the same?

WLAN refers to any wireless local area network, while Wi-Fi is a type of LWNA that follows the IEEE 802.11 standard.