LAN, WAN, SUBNET - EXPLAINED

Summary

This video explains the key differences between LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks), and subnets. It starts by defining a network as computers connected to exchange information. LANs are private networks found in homes and businesses, while WANs encompass large networks like the internet. The video also explores subnets, which divide a LAN into smaller networks for better security, performance, and manageability. The importance of routers in separating subnets is highlighted, and the video concludes by emphasizing how subnetting controls broadcast traffic and improves network efficiency.

Takeaways

• 😀 A network is a group of computers connected to each other to exchange data.
• 😀 Networks can be connected via wired or wireless methods.
• 😀 A **switch** is a device that connects multiple computers together in a **LAN** (Local Area Network).
• 😀 A **LAN** is a private network within a single location, such as a home or office.
• 😀 A **WAN** (Wide Area Network) is a large network that spans a vast geographical area, like the internet.
• 😀 To access a **WAN**, a LAN must connect to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) through a **gateway** (modem/router).
• 😀 The **internet** is an example of a **WAN**, consisting of millions of computers, servers, and routers.
• 😀 A **subnet** is a division of a **LAN**, used to separate different networks for reasons like security or performance.
• 😀 A **router** separates subnets and allows them to communicate with each other.
• 😀 Businesses can create multiple subnets within a LAN to manage departments or reduce broadcast traffic.
• 😀 Subnets improve network performance, manageability, and security by isolating traffic and setting specific access rules.

Q & A

What is the basic definition of a network?

A network is simply a collection of computers connected to each other to exchange information. These connections can be wired or wireless.

How do computers in a network typically connect to each other?

Computers in a network usually connect through a switch, which is a central device with multiple ports that allows computers to communicate with each other.

What is a LAN (Local Area Network)?

A LAN is a private network typically found inside a building, such as in a home, business, or organization. It allows computers within that space to communicate with each other.

What is the role of a gateway in a LAN?

A gateway, often a modem-router combo, connects the LAN to external networks like the internet, enabling the computers in the LAN to access the wider world.

What is a WAN (Wide Area Network)?

A WAN is a large network that covers a broad geographical area, such as a country, continent, or even the entire globe. The internet is the most common example of a WAN.

Why do businesses often create subnets within their LANs?

Businesses create subnets to separate network traffic between different departments or areas. This improves network organization, security, and performance.

What is a subnetwork (subnet)?

A subnetwork, or subnet, is a smaller division of a larger network. It helps organize and manage traffic within a network by separating parts of it for different uses.

How does a router function within a network?

A router acts as a gateway between different subnets or networks. It directs traffic and separates different parts of the network from each other.

How can subnetting improve network performance?

Subnetting helps reduce the amount of broadcast traffic on a network. By dividing the network into smaller subnets, broadcast messages are confined to a smaller group of computers, preventing unnecessary traffic across the entire network.

What are the security benefits of creating subnets?

Subnets can have their own separate security rules, allowing businesses to control access to sensitive data and protect certain areas of the network from unauthorized access.