Local Area Networks (LANs) vs Wide Area Networks (WANs) and the structure of the Internet
Local Area Network (LAN). This is a network of interconnected computer systems within a structure and does not cross any boundaries such as a road. The structure of the network many be stuctures as a Bus, Ring, Star and Hierarchical.
Wide Area network (WAN). This is a collection of network that are separated by a boundary such as a road and are connected by a variety of systems such as POTS, ISDN, Optic fibre cable, Radio, Microwave link etc.
Structure of the Internet. The internet is basically a global WAN that connects many LANS and WANS. The major difference between this and a typical WAN is that there are many pathways that connect the components.
Mike Leishman