LAN is a computer network that uses cables or radio signals to link two or more computers within a geographically limited area (generally one building or a group of buildings). The connected computers are called workstations.
LANs are differentiated by their architecture (peer-to-peer or client/server), topology (bus, hierarchical, multipoint, point-to-point, ring, or star), protocols (standards for transferring data among the linked workstations), and media (for instance, coaxial, twisted-pair, and fiber optic).
Peer-to-peer LANs are simple to implement using the built-in networking capabilities of computers running Microsoft Windows or Mac OS; such networks enable the linked computers to share expensive peripherals such as laser printers; client/server networks use a server to make centralized resources (such as databases and applications) available to workstation users. See AppleTalk, baseband, broadband, bus network, client/server, Ethernet, peer-to-peer network, ring network, star network, wireless LAN.
Technipages Explains LAN
LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network, and it is a digital communication platform that connects a group of computers in a local area. The network connects the designated computers within the local area, and it allows computers within the same connection to communicate with each other. A local area network can serve as many as possible computers, even though with an increase in users there is often network lags as it will reduce the rate of data exchange. Through LAN, a simple internet connection can be shared among many users.
A local area network’s area limit is not precisely defined, it can span over any distance through the use of telephone lines and radio waves, though it is mostly used over a small area. Users and computers on a LAN network stay connected as long as they within the confined area of the server. The purchase and installation of a LAN are cheap compared to other digital communication platforms.
Ethernet is the most used LAN tool, and it was designed in the mid-1970s. The popular WiFi technology is implemented over a Local Area Network; still, LAN networks are not all wireless, they can be wired or even a combination of the two.
Common Uses of LAN
- New-age technologies have improved LAN performance and make it possible to integrate data and voice traffic locally.
- For my new business, I will set up a small LAN at home with direct addressing.
- It is very possible and people do it, building a LAN with more than two computers with the multiport repeater.
Common Misuses of LAN
- Kindly help me prompt your friend when he comes back from work that LAN Kennedy came around