Chapter 1 · Computer Networks

1.3Types of Computer Networks

LAN, WAN and the Internet: how networks are grouped by size and coverage area, and how they differ.

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Full Stack Developer · AI Engineer · Reviewed 21 Oct 2026 · 3 min read

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Not all networks are the same size. The Wi-Fi in your home and the Internet are both networks, but one covers a few rooms and the other covers the whole world. This topic groups networks by how much area they cover.

The book says computer networks are classified based on size and coverage area. Its DO YOU KNOW? box says "distance and coverage area". Both mean the same idea: how far the network reaches. The most common types are LAN, WAN and the Internet (Public WAN). Knowing these types helps you choose the right network for a job.

Three boxes side by side: LAN for a small area, WAN for a large geographic area, the Internet for the whole world

Local Area Network (LAN)

A LAN stays inside one place. Because the distances are short, it is fast: the book says a LAN provides high data transfer speed. Usually one organization owns and manages it, such as one school or one company. LANs commonly use Ethernet (network cables) and Wi-Fi (wireless). A LAN is also cheap to set up and easy to look after. Figure 1.3 in the book shows a house with one router and its devices inside.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A WAN joins many smaller networks over long distances. To do that it uses leased lines (lines rented from a telephone company), satellites, or the Internet. Long distances have a cost. The book says WAN data transfer speed is slower than LAN, and that a WAN is expensive to install and manage. Figure 1.4 shows three clouds labelled "Internet" joined to homes in different places.

LAN and WAN side by side

Point	LAN	WAN
Area	a small area: a home, school, or office	a large geographic area: different cities or countries
Speed	high data transfer speed	slower than LAN
Cost	cost-effective and easy to maintain	expensive to install and manage
Uses	Ethernet and Wi-Fi	leased lines, satellites, or the Internet

The Internet (Public WAN)

The Internet is the biggest network of all. The book calls it the largest example of a WAN. Services like email, websites and cloud storage run on it. It uses standard protocols, which are shared rules for communication, so that devices made by different companies can understand each other. The book says it supports education, business and entertainment, and plays an important role in daily life. Figure 1.5 shows a globe joined to computers, a printer, a server and more.

In the book's CLASS ACTIVITY, students list services that use the Internet and discuss why the Internet is important. Your instructor leads this discussion.

Practice this topic

All MCQs of this chapter with answers

Short questions

1.What is a Local Area Network (LAN)?2 marks
Answer
From the book: "A Local Area Network connects devices within a small area (as shown in Figure 1.3). This area can be a home, school, or office. LAN provides high data transfer speed. It is usually owned and managed by a single organization." The book's Summary (p.17): "A Local Area Network (LAN) connects devices within a small area, such as a home, school, office, or computer lab."
2.On what basis are computer networks classified? Name the most common types.2 marks
Answer
From the book: "Computer networks are classified based on size and coverage area." "The most common types are LAN, WAN, and the Internet (Public WAN)."
3.What is a Wide Area Network (WAN)?2 marks
Answer
From the book: "A Wide Area Network covers a large geographic area (as shown in Figure 1.4). It connects networks in different cities or countries. WAN uses leased lines, satellites, or the Internet." The book's Summary (p.17): "A Wide Area Network (WAN) connects networks over large geographical areas, such as cities, countries, or continents."
4.Write two differences between LAN and WAN.3 marks
Answer
From the book: a LAN "connects devices within a small area", while a WAN "covers a large geographic area". "LAN provides high data transfer speed", while for WAN "Data transfer speed is slower than LAN". Also, "LAN is cost-effective and easy to maintain", while "WAN is expensive to install and manage".
5.What is the Internet?2 marks
Answer
From the book: "The Internet is a global network connecting millions of devices. It allows sharing of information worldwide. Services like email, websites and cloud storage use the Internet (as shown in Figure 1.5). It uses standard protocols for communication." The book's Summary (p.17): "The Internet is the largest public network that connects millions of devices and networks worldwide."
6.What role does the Internet play in daily life?2 marks
Answer
From the book: "Services like email, websites and cloud storage use the Internet (as shown in Figure 1.5)." "The Internet supports education, business, and entertainment. It plays an important role in daily life."
7.What do DSL and ISP stand for? Write the meaning of each.2 marks
Answer
From the book's TIDBIT: "DSL(Digital Subscriber Line) : Internet through telephone lines; allows calling and browsing at the same time." "ISP (Internet Service Provider): Company that provides Internet access to users."

Long questions

1.Explain the types of computer networks. Describe LAN, WAN, and the Internet.8 marks
Answer
Open with the 1.3 paragraph, then cover the three sub-headings in book order:
1. Opening (verbatim): "Computer networks are classified based on size and coverage area. Different types of networks are used for different purposes. Each type connects devices in a specific way. The most common types are LAN, WAN, and the Internet (Public WAN)." "Understanding network types helps in proper network selection."
2. Local Area Network (LAN): "A Local Area Network connects devices within a small area (as shown in Figure 1.3). This area can be a home, school, or office. LAN provides high data transfer speed. It is usually owned and managed by a single organization. Ethernet and Wi-Fi are commonly used in LANs. LAN is cost-effective and easy to maintain."
3. Wide Area Network (WAN): "A Wide Area Network covers a large geographic area (as shown in Figure 1.4). It connects networks in different cities or countries. WAN uses leased lines, satellites, or the Internet. Data transfer speed is slower than LAN. WAN is expensive to install and manage. The Internet is the largest example of a WAN."
4. The Internet (Public WAN): "The Internet is a global network connecting millions of devices. It allows sharing of information worldwide. Services like email, websites and cloud storage use the Internet (as shown in Figure 1.5). It uses standard protocols for communication. The Internet supports education, business, and entertainment. It plays an important role in daily life."
5. May add the TIDBIT: "ISP (Internet Service Provider): Company that provides Internet access to users." and "DSL(Digital Subscriber Line) : Internet through telephone lines; allows calling and browsing at the same time."
Aim for 250-350 words.

2.Compare a Local Area Network (LAN) with a Wide Area Network (WAN) on area, speed, cost and technology used.6 marks

Answer

Build a comparison from the two sub-headings (a table is fine):

Point	LAN (book text)	WAN (book text)
Area	"connects devices within a small area" ("a home, school, or office")	"covers a large geographic area"; "connects networks in different cities or countries"
Speed	"provides high data transfer speed"	"Data transfer speed is slower than LAN"
Cost	"cost-effective and easy to maintain"	"expensive to install and manage"
Technology	"Ethernet and Wi-Fi are commonly used in LANs"	"WAN uses leased lines, satellites, or the Internet"

For LAN the book also says it "is usually owned and managed by a single organization" (the book says nothing about who owns a WAN, so do not invent it). End with: "The Internet is the largest example of a WAN." Mention Figures 1.3 (Local Area Network) and 1.4 (Wide Area Network).

Aim for 150-250 words.

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