A network is two or more computers connected together to share resources and communicate. Networks are fundamental to modern computing — enabling the internet, email, file sharing, and online services.
LAN (Local Area Network)
A LAN covers a small geographical area — typically a single building, campus, or home.
Owned and managed by one organisation
High speeds (100 Mbps to 10 Gbps typical)
Low cost to set up and maintain
Usually connected via Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi
Examples: school network, home Wi-Fi, office network
WAN (Wide Area Network)
A WAN covers a large geographical area — connecting LANs across cities, countries, or continents.
Not owned by one organisation — uses third-party infrastructure
Examples: a company with offices in London, New York, and Tokyo connected together
LAN vs WAN Comparison
Feature
LAN
WAN
Geographical size
Small (building/campus)
Large (cities/countries)
Ownership
Single organisation
Multiple organisations / ISPs
Speed
Fast (Gbps)
Slower (varies)
Cost
Low
High
Security
Easier to secure
Harder to secure
Example
School/office network
The internet
Benefits of Networking
Why connect computers in a network? Key benefits:
File sharing — users can access shared files and folders without using USB drives
Peripheral sharing — one printer shared by all users saves cost
Internet access — all devices can share one internet connection
Communication — email, instant messaging, video calls between users
Centralised management — software updates, backups, and user accounts managed from one server
Centralised storage — files stored on a server accessible from any machine
Disadvantages of Networking
Security risks — malware can spread across a network easily
Cost — hardware (routers, switches, cables) and maintenance costs
Dependence — if the server or internet fails, all users are affected
Privacy — shared data is harder to keep private
Exam tip: Know that the internet is a WAN. LAN = small area, owned by one org. WAN = large area, uses public/shared infrastructure. Edexcel also tests "benefits of networking" — learn at least 4.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Saying a LAN uses the internet — it uses local cabling (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi within the building
Saying the internet is a LAN — the internet is a WAN (the largest WAN)
Forgetting WAN stands for Wide Area Network and isn't owned by one organisation
Listing "sharing data" without specifying HOW (e.g. shared file server, email)
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Worksheet — 4.1a LAN, WAN & Networking
8 Edexcel-style questions · instantly marked
Q1State the difference between a LAN and a WAN.[2]
✅ Mark scheme
A LAN (Local Area Network) covers a small geographical area such as a building [1]; a WAN (Wide Area Network) covers a large geographical area, connecting multiple LANs across cities or countries [1].
Q2Give two benefits of networking computers in a school.[2]
✅ Mark scheme
Any two: file sharing — students can access work from any computer [1]; printer sharing — all computers can use one printer [1]; internet access shared [1]; centralised management of user accounts [1]; communication via email or messaging [1].
Q3The internet is an example of which type of network? Explain why.[2]
✅ Mark scheme
WAN [1]; because it connects networks across the entire world, spanning many countries and continents [1].
Q4State one advantage and one disadvantage of networking computers.[2]
✅ Mark scheme
Advantage: any from — file sharing, peripheral sharing, internet access, centralised management [1]; Disadvantage: any from — security risk (malware spreading), cost, dependence on the server, privacy concerns [1].
Q5Who typically owns and manages a LAN?[1]
✅ Mark scheme
A LAN is owned and managed by a single organisation (e.g. a school, business) [1].
Q6A company has offices in London, Paris, and New York that need to share files. What type of network connects these offices? Explain.[2]
✅ Mark scheme
WAN [1]; because it connects networks across a large geographical area, spanning multiple countries [1].
Q7Why is a LAN generally faster than a WAN?[2]
✅ Mark scheme
A LAN uses dedicated high-speed local cabling (Ethernet/fibre) within a small area [1]; a WAN uses shared public infrastructure over long distances which introduces more delays and lower speeds [1].
Q8Explain how centralised storage on a network benefits a business.[2]
✅ Mark scheme
Centralised storage means all files are stored on one server [1]; employees can access their files from any computer on the network and backups are made in one place [1].
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Mini Test — LAN, WAN & Networking
Timed exam-style test.
⏱10:00
Section A — Multiple Choice [5 marks]
Q1LAN stands for:[1]
Q2The internet is an example of:[1]
Q3Which is NOT a benefit of networking?[1]
Q4Which statement about WANs is correct?[1]
Q5A school network is an example of:[1]
Section B — Short Answer
Q6Compare LAN and WAN. Include geographical size, ownership, speed, and an example of each.[3]
Mark schemeLAN covers small area (building), WAN covers large area (countries) [1]; LAN owned by one org, WAN uses shared infrastructure [1]; LAN faster than WAN [1]; LAN e.g. school network, WAN e.g. the internet [1].
Q7Give three benefits of networking computers in a business. For each, briefly explain why it is beneficial.[2]
Mark schemeAny three with explanation: File sharing — employees access documents from any computer [1]; Printer sharing — reduces equipment costs [1]; Centralised management — IT updates all machines from one server [1]; Internet access — all devices share one connection [1].