Difference between LAN and WAN

Local Area Network (LAN): LAN is a group of network devices that allow
communication between connected devices. The private ownership has
the control over the local area network rather than the public. LAN has a
short propagation delay than MAN as well as WAN. It covers the smallest
smalles
area such as College, School Hospital and so on.
Wide Area Network (WAN): WAN covers a large area than LAN as well
as MAN such as Country/Continent etc. WAN is expensive and should or
might not be owned by one organization. PSTN or Satellite medium is
used
sed for wide area networks.

S.NO LAN WAN

LAN stands for Local Area Whereas WAN stands for Wide Area
1.
Network. Network.

But WAN’s ownershipp can be private

2. LAN’s ownership is private.
or public.

The speed of LAN is high(more While the speed of WAN is slower

3.
than WAN). than LAN.

The propagation delay is short Whereas the propagation delay in

4.
in LAN. WAN is long(longer than LAN).
S.NO LAN WAN

There is less congestion in While there is more congestion in

5.
LAN(local area network). WAN(Wide Area Network).

There is more fault tolerance in While there is less fault tolerance in

6.
LAN. WAN.

LAN’s design and maintenance While it’s design and maintenance is

7.
is easy. difficult than WAN.

LAN covers small area i.e. While WAN covers large

8.
within the building. geographical area.

LAN operates on the principle While WAN works on the principle of

9.
of broadcasting. point to point.

Whereas WAN uses PSTN or

Transmission medium used in
10. satellite link as a transmission or
LAN is co-axial or UTP cable.
communication medium.

LAN has a higher data transfer WAN has a lower data transfer rate
11.
rate. as compared to LAN.

WANs technologies used like Frame

LANs technologies used like
12. Relay and X.25 for connectivity for
ethernet and token.
longer distances.

LANs technologies is data WANs technologies data transfer rate

13.
transfer rate is 10mbps. 150mbps

LANs is cheaply compared to

14. WAN is costly compared to LAN.
WAN

In LAN Co-axial cables are

In WAN links are established using
15. generally used to connect the
microwave or satellite.
computer and other devices.
 S.NO LAN WAN

Due to short distance short In this network, shortcircuit errors,

16. circuit error or other noise error noise errors are higher than any
are minimum. other network.

For eg: A computer lab in a

17. For eg: pager
college.

When to use LAN vs. WAN

Both local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) have different use cases
to meet different user requirements.

When to use LAN

You can use a LAN to create private, isolated, high-speed connections between devices in
close proximity. These are some scenarios where a LAN is useful:

 File exchange and communication within the same geographical location, like a single
office or multiple offices in the same building
 Connecting automated robots to a central control mechanism within a factory
 Creating a network for mobile point-of-sale systems and video surveillance devices within a
retail store
 Connecting several Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and meters to a central hub that filters
the data before transmitting it to the cloud
When to use WAN

You can use a WAN to connect users and applications securely across a wide geographical
area. These are some scenarios where a WAN is useful:

 Facilitating communication between geographically dispersed branch offices, so employees

can communicate and access shared resources
 Allowing remote users, third parties, and external partners to access internal company
resources
 Connecting to cloud-based applications and services
 Replicating data between geographically dispersed locations for data backup and disaster
recovery
 Summary of differences: LAN vs. WAN

Characteristics LAN WAN

Stands for LAN means local area network. WAN means wide area network.
LANs connect users and applications WANs connect users and applications in
Connects in close geographical proximity geographically dispersed locations (across
(same building). the globe).
LANs use OSI Layer 1 and Layer 2
WANs use Layer 1, 2, and 3 network
Components data connection equipment for
devices for data transmission.
transmission.
LANs use local connections like
WANs use wide area connections like
Connections ethernet cables and wireless access
MPLS, VPNs, leased lines, and the cloud.
points.
LANs are faster, because they span
WANs are slightly slower, but that may
Speed less distance and have less
not be perceived by your users.
congestion.
WANs are good for disaster recovery,
LANs are good for private IoT applications with global users, and large
Use cases networks, bot networks, and small corporate networks.
business networks.

Software and its Types


Software is a collection of instructions, data, or computer programs that are used
to run machines and carry out particular activities. It is the antithesis of hardware,
which refers to a computer’s external components. A device’s running programs,
scripts, and applications are collectively referred to as “software” in this context.

What is a Software?
In a computer system, the software is basically a set of instructions or
commands that tell a computer what to do. In other words, the software is
a computer program that provides a set of instructions to execute a user’s
commands and tell the computer what to do. For example like MS-
Word, MS-Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
Types of Software
It is a collection of data that is given to the computer to complete a
particular task. The chart below describes the types of software:

Above is the diagram of types of software. Now we will briefly describe

each type and its subtypes:
1. System Software
 Operating System
 Language Processor
 Device Driver
2. Application Software
 General Purpose Software
 Customize Software
 Utility Software
System Software
System software is software that directly operates the computer
hardware and provides the basic functionality to the users as well as to
the other software to operate smoothly. Or in other words, system
software basically controls a computer’s internal functioning and also
controls hardware devices such as monitors, printers, and storage
devices, etc. It is like an interface between hardware and user
applications, it helps them to communicate with each other because
hardware understands machine language(i.e. 1 or 0) whereas user
applications are work in human-readable languages like English, Hindi,
German, etc. so system software converts the human-readable language
into machine language and vice versa.
Types of System Software
It has two subtypes which are:
1. Operating System: It is the main program of a computer system.
When the computer system ON it is the first software that loads into
the computer’s memory. Basically, it manages all the resources such
as computer memory, CPU, printer, hard disk, etc., and provides an
interface to the user, which helps the user to interact with the
computer system. It also provides various services to other computer
software. Examples of operating systems are Linux, Apple
macOS, Microsoft Windows, etc.
2. Language Processor: As we know that system software converts the
human-readable language into a machine language and vice versa.
So, the conversion is done by the language processor. It converts
programs written in high-level programming
languages like Java, C, C++, Python, etc(known as source code), into
sets of instructions that are easily readable by machines(known as
object code or machine code).
3. Device Driver: A device driver is a program or software that controls a
device and helps that device to perform its functions. Every device like
a printer, mouse, modem, etc. needs a driver to connect with the
computer system eternally. So, when you connect a new device with
your computer system, first you need to install the driver of that device
so that your operating system knows how to control or manage that
device.
Features of System Software
Let us discuss some of the features of System Software:
 System Software is closer to the computer system.
 System Software is written in a low-level language in general.
 System software is difficult to design and understand.
 System software is fast in speed(working speed).
 System software is less interactive for the users in comparison to
application software.
Application Software
Software that performs special functions or provides functions that are
much more than the basic operation of the computer is known
as application software. Or in other words, application software is
designed to perform a specific task for end-users. It is a product or a
program that is designed only to fulfill end-users’ requirements. It
includes word processors, spreadsheets, database management,
inventory, payroll programs, etc.
Types of Application Software
There are different types of application software and those are:
1. General Purpose Software: This type of application software is used
for a variety of tasks and it is not limited to performing a specific task
only. For example, MS-Word, MS-Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
2. Customized Software: This type of application software is used or
designed to perform specific tasks or functions or designed for specific
organizations. For example, railway reservation system, airline
reservation system, invoice management system, etc.
3. Utility Software: This type of application software is used to support
the computer infrastructure. It is designed to analyze, configure,
optimize and maintains the system, and take care of its requirements
as well. For example, antivirus, disk fragmenter, memory tester, disk
repair, disk cleaners, registry cleaners, disk space analyzer, etc.
Features of Application Software
Let us discuss some of the features of Application Software:
 An important feature of application software is it performs more
specialized tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, email, etc.
 Mostly, the size of the software is big, so it requires more storage
space.
 Application software is more interactive for the users, so it is easy to
use and design.
 The application software is easy to design and understand.
 Application software is written in a high-level language in general.
Difference Between System Software and
Application Software
Now, let us discuss some difference between system software and
application software:

System Software Application Software

It is designed to manage the resources It is designed to fulfill the

of the computer system, like memory requirements of the user for
and process management, etc. performing specific tasks.

Written in a low-level language. Written in a high-level language.

Less interactive for the users. More interactive for the users.

Application software is not so

System software plays vital role for the
important for the functioning of the
effective functioning of a system.
system, as it is task specific.

It is independent of the application

It needs system software to run.
software to run.

What Is a Database?
Database defined
A database is an organized collection of structured information, or data, typically stored
electronically in a computer system. A database is usually controlled by a database management
system (DBMS). Together, the data and the DBMS, along with the applications that are
associated with them, are referred to as a database system, often shortened to just database.
Data within the most common types of databases in operation today is typically modeled in rows
and columns in a series of tables to make processing and data querying efficient. The data can
 then be easily accessed, managed, modified, updated, controlled, and organized. Most databases
use structured query language (SQL) for writing and querying data.

What’s the difference between a database and a spreadsheet?

Databases and spreadsheets (such as Microsoft Excel) are both convenient ways to store
information. The primary differences between the two are:

 How the data is stored and manipulated

 Who can access the data
 How much data can be stored
Spreadsheets were originally designed for one user, and their characteristics reflect that. They’re
great for a single user or small number of users who don’t need to do a lot of incredibly
complicated data manipulation. Databases, on the other hand, are designed to hold much larger
collections of organized information—massive amounts, sometimes. Databases allow multiple
users at the same time to quickly and securely access and query the data using highly complex
logic and language.

Types of databases
There are many different types of databases. The best database for a specific organization
depends on how the organization intends to use the data.

Relational databases
 Relational databases became dominant in the 1980s. Items in a relational database are organized as
a set of tables with columns and rows. Relational database technology provides the most efficient
and flexible way to access structured information.

Object-oriented databases
 Information in an object-oriented database is represented in the form of objects, as in object-
oriented programming.

Distributed databases
 A distributed database consists of two or more files located in different sites. The database may be
stored on multiple computers, located in the same physical location, or scattered over different
networks.

Data warehouses
 A central repository for data, a data warehouse is a type of database specifically designed for fast
query and analysis.

NoSQL databases
 A NoSQL, or nonrelational database, allows unstructured and semistructured data to be stored and
manipulated (in contrast to a relational database, which defines how all data inserted into the
 database must be composed). NoSQL databases grew popular as web applications became more
common and more complex.

Graph databases
 A graph database stores data in terms of entities and the relationships between entities.
 OLTP databases. An OLTP database is a speedy, analytic database designed for large numbers of
transactions performed by multiple users.
These are only a few of the several dozen types of databases in use today. Other, less common
databases are tailored to very specific scientific, financial, or other functions. In addition to the
different database types, changes in technology development approaches and dramatic advances
such as the cloud and automation are propelling databases in entirely new directions. Some of the
latest databases include

Open source databases

 An open source database system is one whose source code is open source; such databases could be
SQL or NoSQL databases.

Cloud databases
 A cloud database is a collection of data, either structured or unstructured, that resides on a private,
public, or hybrid cloud computing platform. There are two types of cloud database models:
traditional and database as a service (DBaaS). With DBaaS, administrative tasks and maintenance are
performed by a service provider.

Multimodel database
 Multimodel databases combine different types of database models into a single, integrated back
end. This means they can accommodate various data types.

Document/JSON database
 Designed for storing, retrieving, and managing document-oriented information, document
databases are a modern way to store data in JSON format rather than rows and columns.

Self-driving databases
 The newest and most groundbreaking type of database, self-driving databases (also known as
autonomous databases) are cloud-based and use machine learning to automate database tuning,
security, backups, updates, and other routine management tasks traditionally performed by
database administrators
Database software makes data management simpler by enabling users to store
data in a structured form and then access it. It typically has a graphical interface
to help create and manage the data and, in some cases, users can construct their
own databases by using database software.

Difference between DSS and Expert

System
1. Decision Support System (DSS): It’s a computer-based system that
aids the process of decision-making. It is an interactive, flexible and
adaptable computer system. It is specially developed for supporting the
solution of a non-structured management problem for improved decision-
making. DSS is a specific class of computerized information systems that
supports business and organizational decision-making activities.
Components of DSS:
 Model Management
 Data Management
 User Interface Management
Advantages:
 It saves time.
 Enhances efficiency
 Reduces the cost
 It improves personal efficiency
 It increases the decision
decision-maker satisfaction.
 Disadvantages:
 Information Overload
 Status reduction
 Over-emphasize
emphasize decisio
decision-making.

Types of Decision Support systems are Document-driven,

driven, Data-driven,
Data
Knowledge-driven,
driven, Model
Model-driven, and Communication-driven.
driven.
Applications include medical diagnosis, business management,
agriculture, rail projects, and many more.
Examples: GPS route planning, Crop-planning, ERP dashboards, and
others.

2. Expert System: It is a computer program that is designed to mimic the

decision-making ability of a decision-maker. It organizes a set of
knowledge about a particular subject. It contains facts and judgmental
knowledge which gives it the ability to guess like a human. There are set
of rules on which it makes decisions using an if-else structure. The
inference engine does reasoning by manipulating the knowledge base.
The user interface represents questions and information to the operator
and also receives answers from the operator.
Components of Expert System:
 Knowledge Base
 Knowledge acquisition and learning module
 Inference Engine
 User Interface
 Explanation module
Advantages:
 Cost is reduced
 Danger is reduced
 Increases the availability
 Performance
Disadvantages:
 It can make absurd errors if data is entered incorrectly.
 Doesn’t provide a creative response in certain situations.
 It relies on rules and knowledge being correct.
Types of Expert Systems are rule-based
based expert systems, frame-based
frame
expert systems, fuzzy expert systems, neural expert systems, and neuro-
neuro
fuzzy expert systems.
Applications include Help desks and Information management.
Hospitals. Employee performance evaluation. Loan analysis. and many
more.
Examples: MYCIN, DENDRAL, and others.

Difference between DSS and Expert System:

S.
No. DSS Expert System

DSS is an interactive system that An Expert System is a problem-solving

enables decision-makers to solve computer program that excels at a
unstructured or semi-structured particular issue domain that is difficult to
problems by taking help from models solve and takes specialized knowledge and
1. and data. ability.

2. It facilitates decision-making. It automates decision-making.

The decision environment is

The decision environment has structure.
3. unstructured.

It extracts or gains knowledge from a Inject expert knowledge into a computer

4. computer system. system.

Alternatives still may not be Alternatives and goals are frequently

5. completely understood. predetermined.

6. Characteristics of the problem domain In this, it is limited and specialized.

 S.
No. DSS Expert System

are complex and broad.

The type of data manipulation is

The type of data manipulation is symbolic.
7. numeric.

8. It has limited capacity. It has a full capacity.

It uses goals and system data to

The expert system can eventually replace
establish alternatives and outcomes,
the human decision-maker.
9. so a good decision can be made.

Executive Information System (EIS) :

EIS is defined as a system that helps the high-level executives to take
policy decisions. This system uses high level data, analytical models and
user friendly software for taking decisions. It is a structured, automated
tracking system that operates continuously to keep everything managed.
It provides exception and status reporting capabilities.
Advantages :
 Easy to use.
 Ability to analyze the trends.
 Time management.
 Efficiency.
 Enhances business problem solving.
Disadvantages :
 Functions are limited.
 Difficult to keep current data.
 System can run slow.
 Less reliable.
 DSS EIS

It is used by professionals. It is used by executives.

It is required for day-to-day operations. It is required for strategic plans and procedures.

It deals with semi and unstructured

It deals with only unstructured data.
data.

It consists of both internal and external

It consists of only internal information.
information.

It allows taking decisions to meet the strategic

It allows taking non-routines decisions.
goals of the organization.

It is used with mainframes, micro and

It is used with distributed systems
distributed systems.