Question

Explain the role of LAN, WAN, and VPN when it comes to health IT. What is the difference between LAN and WAN?

Answer 1

LAN (local area network):

- It operates within building/across several buildings.
- Network hardware & software under control of single organization in a single geographic area.

LAN components

* workstation
* server
* switches
* routers
* connection media

WAN (wide area network):

- Extends beyond LAN, may be public or private.

WAN components

* nodes
* high speed transmission media
* subnet

VPN (virtual private network)

- A wireless LAN in which private networks that use internet's public networks
- Ensure secure connections through web/allow for remote access to private network for authorized personnel.

• Difference between LAN & WAN:

LAN is a form of a computer network most known to the general public.

- It has a limited reach, roughly a bunch of closely situated houses or building. And that’s because we typically use the Ethernet technology (IEEE 802.3) to power our local area networks.

The ethernet cables we lay across our houses and offices have their practical limitations. Beyond a certain length, the speed gets degraded.

- The reach of a LAN can be enhanced using repeaters, bridges, etc..

- WAN as the superset of all the small networks found in homes, offices, cities, states, and countries.

- The router or modem placed at your home is a device used to connect to the WAN.

- The internet is also a type WAN that spans across the entire earth.