A Local Area Network (LAN) is a local network that covers a limited geographic area, such as a home, office, school, or building. Its purpose is to connect computers and devices, such as printers, routers, or servers, so they can share data and resources.
Key Features of a LAN:
- Limited Range: Typically confined to a single building or a small area.
- High Speed: LANs provide fast data transfer rates (e.g., 1 Gbps or more with modern technologies) due to the short distances.
- Connection Technologies: Common methods include Ethernet (wired) and Wi-Fi (wireless).
- Centralized Management: LANs can be managed using a central server or router.
- Cost-Effective: Setting up a LAN is relatively inexpensive compared to larger networks like Wide Area Networks (WAN).
Use Cases:
- Sharing printers or files in an office.
- Local gaming between multiple computers.
- Connecting IoT devices (e.g., cameras, smart home gadgets).
Unlike a WAN (e.g., the internet), a LAN is focused on a smaller area, offering better control and security.
