What is a LAN Network?
This is one of the most common and frequently asked questions on the web, what is LAN?
There are many related questions to LAN, few of them for example are below:
What is a Local Area Network?
Definition of LAN?
What is LAN used for?
We are writing this article specifically to let you know what a local area network connection is and how it works on networks?
LAN is an abbreviation of Local Area Network.
What is LAN?
The Local Area Network (LAN) refers to a network that connects devices within a limited geographical area such as a home, office, or campus. It allows devices connected to it to share resources, including files, printers, and internet connectivity.
By establishing a LAN, users can streamline communication, increase collaboration, and enhance productivity within the local environment.
In short, a local area network is a network and is a group of two or more computers within a small area. For example – A School or a college.
In a local network, hundreds and thousands of computers or laptops can be connected with each other using a cable connection.
You would require a set of physical devices to setup a local network like: an internal server, routers or a switch to get them connected and communicate with each other
What is the Local Area Network used for?
Most commonly, LAN networks are often used to provide shared access to internal employees of a small business office to share files and connect to printers and the same in homes and buildings.
[Read: How to Share Files and Folders in a Local Network?]
[Read: How to Share a USB Printer in a Local Network?]
An Ethernet cable is being used mostly to get all computers connected to each other with the help of your LAN port to your computer desktop or in a laptop.
RJ45 connectors are the most common type of local area network connection and are used to connect to the device’s LAN port.
Ethernet cables connect to devices such as PCs, switches and routers within a local area network.
Hope the image below gives you an overview of the local area network. Here is a diagram that shows what a local area network is and how it works?
What are the Benefits of a Local Area Network?
There are a few good advantages to a local area network listed below:
- A group of devices can be networked together
- Local printers can be shared and print can be taken from any computer on a local area network
- Share files and folders with in a local network
- Very beneficial for small businesses
- Fast and easy communication between computers
- Internet sharing – connect internet main line to the switch or router, and all computers will have the internet.
- Data security
Components of a Local Area Network
A Local Area Network comprises of various components that work together to ensure smooth communication and resource sharing.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these key components:
Network Devices
Network devices form the building blocks of a LAN. This includes routers, switches, hubs, and network adapters.
Routers are responsible for connecting to multiple networks, while switches enable the interconnection of devices within the LAN. Hubs, although less common nowadays, functioned similarly to switches by allowing devices to communicate with each other.
Network adapters, on the other hand, facilitate the connection of devices to the LAN.
Network Cables
Cables are essential for transmitting data across the LAN. The two most commonly used types of LAN cables are Ethernet cables (such as Cat5e or Cat6) and fiber optic cables.
Ethernet cables are widely used due to their affordability and reliability, while fiber optic cables offer faster data transmission over longer distances.
[Read: What is Fiber Optic Cable in a Computer Network?]
Network Protocols
Network protocols define the rules and procedures that govern how data is transmitted and received within the LAN.
Some popular protocols include Ethernet, Wi-Fi (802.11), and Internet Protocol (IP). These protocols ensure that devices can communicate effectively and that data is transmitted securely and efficiently.
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