What is a LAN? Local Area Network (2024)

The advantages of a LAN are the same as those for any group of devices networked together. The devices can use a single Internet connection, share files with one another, print to shared printers, and be accessed and even controlled by one another.

LANs were developed in the 1960s for use by colleges, universities, and research facilities (such as NASA), primarily to connect computers to other computers. It wasn't until the development of Ethernet technology (1973, at Xerox PARC), its commercialization (1980), and its standardization (1983) that LANs started to be used widely.

While the benefits of having devices connected to a network have always been well understood, it wasn't until the wide deployment of Wi-Fi technology that LANs became commonplace in nearly every type of environment. Today, not only do businesses and schools use LANs, but also restaurants, coffee shops, stores, and homes.

Wireless connectivity has also greatly expanded the types of devices that can be connected to a LAN. Now, nearly everything imaginable can be "connected," from PCs, printers, and phones to smart TVs, stereos, speakers, lighting, thermostats, window shades, door locks, security cameras--and even coffeemakers, refrigerators, and toys.

What is a LAN? Local Area Network (2024)

FAQs

What is a LAN? Local Area Network? ›

A local area network (LAN) is a collection of devices connected together in one physical location, such as a building, office, or home. A LAN can be small or large, ranging from a home network with one user to an enterprise network with thousands of users and devices in an office or school.

What is a LAN local area network? ›

A local area network (LAN) consists of a series of computers linked together to form a network in a circ*mscribed location. The computers in a LAN connect to each other via TCP/IP ethernet or Wi-Fi. A LAN is normally exclusive to an organization, such as a school, office, association or church.

What is a local area network LAN quizlet? ›

A local area network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and other devices in a relatively small area, typically a single building or a group of buildings. Most LANs connect workstations and personal computers and enable users to access data and devices (e.g., printers and modems) anywhere on the network.

What is an example of a LAN? ›

A local area network (LAN) is a network contained within a small geographic area, usually within the same building. Home WiFi networks and small business networks are common examples of LANs.

How do you connect to a LAN network? ›

Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the local area network (LAN) port on the device and the other end into the networking port of the device that you want to connect to the Internet. The LAN port should be labeled "LAN." Start (or restart) the device.

What is network short answer? ›

A network is basically a collection of computers and other devices that are linked together to exchange data. Each device on the network is referred to as a node, and each node has its own address, which is a numerical value.

What is the main function of the LAN network? ›

The function of Local Area Networks is to link computers together and provide shared access to printers, files, and other services. Local area network architecture is categorized as either peer-to-peer or client-server.

What is local area network LAN local area network LAN? ›

Local Area Network (LAN) adalah fondasi penting dalam jaringan komputer modern, dirancang untuk beroperasi dalam area yang terbatas dan relatif kecil seperti kantor, sekolah, rumah, atau cafe.

What is the function of a local area network LAN router? ›

The LAN is a private network that allows devices on it to connect to each other and share data. It covers a specific area through at least one router. The exact size of that area may vary from a house to an office to an entire office building.

What is a local area network WAN? ›

LAN means local area network. WAN means wide area network. Connects. LANs connect users and applications in close geographical proximity (same building). WANs connect users and applications in geographically dispersed locations (across the globe).

Is LAN still used today? ›

In 1984, StarLAN showed the potential of simple unshielded twisted pair by using category 3 cable—the same cable used for telephone systems. This led to the development of 10BASE-T (and its twisted-pair successors) and structured cabling which is still the basis of most commercial LANs today.

What are some uses of LAN? ›

LANs are used mainly for resource sharing. Expensive hardware like laser printers and CD/ROM drives can be shared by several users when they are attached to a network. Further, purchasing a network version of software cuts the costs of purchasing them for each and every computer.

What is the difference between a router and a switch? ›

Just as a switch connects multiple devices to create a network, a router connects multiple switches, and their respective networks, to form an even larger network. These networks may be in a single location or across multiple locations. When building a small business network, you will need one or more routers.

How to set up a home LAN network? ›

To set up a LAN network for your home, you will need a router and Ethernet cables. You should connect all your devices to your router using Ethernet cables, and configure your router's settings to enable LAN connectivity. You may also need to configure your devices to ensure they are set up for LAN connectivity.

How do I connect to my router via LAN? ›

Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your modem. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the Internet, Uplink, WAN or WLAN port on your router. Plug in your router and allow at least 2 to 3 minutes for it to light up. Turn off your computer and connect an Ethernet cable to your computer.

Are LAN and Ethernet the same? ›

While LAN cables are referred to as Ethernet cables, they are not technically the same thing since Ethernet cables do not encompass everything a LAN cable can be. Essentially every type of Ethernet cable is a LAN cable, but not every LAN cable is an ethernet cable!

What is the difference between Wi-Fi and LAN? ›

A wireless LAN is a type of network whose technical standards include IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, and so on. And Wi-Fi is a wireless LAN technology that uses the IEEE 802.11 standard. In other words, Wi-Fi is an implementation of wireless LAN.

Can a LAN be wireless? ›

A LAN can use wireless communication, wired connections or both. A wide area network usually traverses multiple geographical areas.

Is LAN wired or wireless? ›

A LAN usually uses wired connections; however, wireless connectivity can also be used. A LAN's fault tolerance is higher, and the network is less congested. In a LAN, the propagation delay is relatively short. Larger LANs can accommodate thousands of computers, whereas smaller LANs may only employ two computers.

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