A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network of interconnected computers and devices within a limited geographical area, such as a home, office, school, or a small campus.
They are essential for both residential and business environments, facilitating tasks like file sharing, printer access, internet connectivity, and more.
What is the maximum distance of a LAN?
What does LAN stand for?
Typical components of a LAN include:
Organizational LANs also usually include servers in order to manage authentication, file backup and resource sharing.
Which type of cable is commonly used in LAN?
LANs facilitate the sharing of resources such as printers, files, and internet connections among connected devices. This promotes efficiency and reduces redundancy.
LANs typically provide fast data transfer speeds, making them suitable for applications that require quick access to data and low latency.
Setting up a LAN is generally more cost-effective than establishing a Wide Area Network (WAN) for connecting devices within a limited geographic area.
LANs often employ servers that centralize data storage and management, making it easier to back up data and enforce security measures.
LAN administrators have direct control over the network, allowing for customization and tailored configurations to meet specific needs.
What is the primary purpose of a LAN?
A WLAN is a type of LAN (or section of a LAN) that uses wireless technology, such as Wi-Fi, to connect devices within a limited area.
WLANs provide the same functionality as traditional wired LANs but offer the convenience of wireless connectivity, allowing users to connect to the network without the need for physical cables.
LANs are designed for small geographic areas, so they are not suitable for connecting devices across long distances.
Setting up and maintaining a LAN can be complex, requiring expertise in networking, hardware, and software configuration.
LANs can be vulnerable to security breaches if not properly secured. Unauthorized access, data theft, and malware attacks are potential risks.
Expanding a LAN can be challenging, especially when adding a large number of devices. It may require hardware upgrades and reconfiguration.
Wired LANs rely on physical cables, which can be inconvenient to install, especially in existing buildings. Wireless LANs (Wi-Fi) offer mobility but can be susceptible to interference.
What is a disadvantage of LANs?
LAN