Defining LAN and WAN From Different Angles or Perspectives

[169.254.X.Y]

Is it ture that defining a network as a LAN or WAN could be different from different perspectives or angles?

[Flavio Miranda]

I'd say no. 

 Local Area Network comprises protocols that you'll not see on WAN and vice-versa. The main function of LAN is deliver traffic over Layer 2 protocols where the payload is the IP packet.

 WAN in other hand deliver traffic over Layer 3 protocols and the payload is the data itself.

  You can mess this up saying that we can have Layer 2 as well on the WAN side but let's keep it straight.

 Dont we forget our CCNA books!!

[Julio E. Moisa]

Hi

LAN is basically a network used in a limited area, they are used to interconnect hosts.  

WAN is a set of LAN's. A WAN is not limited by a building, basically a WAN is able to interconnnet networks through wide geographical networks. Also there are many type of WAN connections no used on LANs.

The following link could be useful:

http://www.ciscopress.com/articles/article.asp?p=2158215&seqNum=6

:-)