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A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line or wireless link. Typically, connected devices share the resources of a single processor or server within a small geographic area (for example, within an office building). Usually, the server has applications and data storage that are shared in common by multiple computer users. A local area network may serve as few as two or three users (for example, in a home network) or as many as thousands of users (for example, in an FDDI network). Major local area network technologies are:
Ethernet
Token Ring
FDDI
Ethernet is by far the most commonly used LAN technology. A number of corporations use the Token Ring technology. FDDI is sometimes used as a backbone LAN interconnecting Ethernet or Token Ring LANs. Another LAN technology, ARCNET, once the most commonly installed LAN technology, is still used in the industrial automation industry. Typically, a suite of application programs can be kept on the LAN server. Users who need an application frequently can download it once and then run it from their local hard disk. Users can order printing and other services as needed through applications run on the LAN server. A user can share files with others at the LAN server; read and write access is maintained by a LAN administrator. A LAN server may also be used as a Web server if safeguards are taken to secure internal applications and data from outside access. In some situations, a wireless LAN may be preferable to a wired LAN because it is cheaper to install and maintain.
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Getting started with local area networks |
| To explore how local area networks are used in the enterprise, here are some additional resources: |
| LAN network design considerations: Here an experienced network expert shares considerations to take into account before designing your local area network. |
| LAN design: This in-depth article explains elements of the enterprise LAN, including Ethernet switching, VLANs, spanning tree protocol and IP telephony. |
| LANs vs. WLANs: Which network designs are used for each company size?: Which network design is easier to implement, LANs or wireless LANs? Here an experienced network administration expert explains this and which designs best fit particular functions and areas of your organization. |
| What makes a LAN different from a WAN and MAN?: Learn the basics of networking in this expert explanation of the differences between LANs, WANs and MANs -- how they connect and which protocols they use. |
Last updated on: Aug 03, 2009
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