Difference between WLAN and WWAN

1. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) :
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a network in which devices connected to the network are distributed wirelessly. It is often used interchangeably with WI-FI however Wi-Fi is referred to as a particular network whereas WLAN is the whole distribution system itself. However, it is quite similar to LAN distribution. Both use DHCP to give new devices dynamic IP addresses. The best thing about WLAN is it does not have the hassle of tangling cable mess. This allows organizations to have their members stay connected, however the range is limited. It can be accessed on both mobile or desktop devices. Also, WLANs are a lot cheaper and can be upgraded without costing the user a fortune.

Advantages of WLAN :

• Wireless connection
• Extendable range
• Signal not blocked by any physical barrier
• Good performance in small area coverage
• Reliable sort of communication

2. Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) :
Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) is a network connection that works with mobile communication technologies such as WIMAX, CDMA, GSM, etc. Any user with a WWAN card can connect to WWAN and access the internet. It covers a very large area and provides coverage to regional, nationwide and global wireless and is also very secure as WWAN uses 128-bit encryption. Also, WWAN uses telecom networks that are more convenient and has fewer signal issues. It is established worldwide.

Advantages of WWAN :

• Quick deploy
• Readily Available
• Easy to Install
• Less infrastructure

Difference between WLAN and WWAN :

S.NO.	WLAN	WWAN
01.	WLAN is known as Wireless Local Area Network or LAWN (Local Area Wireless Network).	WWAN is known as Wireless Wide Area Network.
02.	WLAN uses radio, infrared, and microwave transmission.	WWAN uses cellular network.
03.	WLAN can cover only a small organization at most.	WWAN has worldwide coverage.
04.	WLAN has excellent speed and performance.	WWAN has very low speed and performance.
05.	It uses WEP or WPA which are less secure.	It uses 128-bit encryption which makes it very secure.
06.	WLAN takes very little time to set up and run. WWAN users have to make a contract with their ISPs.	WWAN users have to make a contract with their ISPs.
07.	WLAN can be used with all devices.	WWAN is limited to mobile devices only.
08.	WLAN upgrade is very cheap.	WWAN upgrades cost higher comparatively.
09.	WLAN has 802.11 standards.	WWAN has 802.20 standards. GSM, GPRS and CDMA are the standards of Wireless Wide Area Network.
10.	Typical applications of WLAN includes Inventory Management, Internet access from hotspot etc.	Typical applications of WWAN includes Field service, Field sales, Mobile messaging etc.