Local Area Network
A local area network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical
Main characteristics of LAN:
Areas
of coverage: LANs located
within the same building (closely positioned group of buildings) such
as a home, school computer laboratory, office building.
Distance: LANs span (cover) distance less than a mile.
Ownership: LANs are owned and operated by individual organizations.
Distance: LANs span (cover) distance less than a mile.
Ownership: LANs are owned and operated by individual organizations.
Type Of Local Area Network:
PERSONAL AREA NETWORK (PAN)
Personal Area Network (PAN) is a type of wireless network that works within a very small area—your immediate surroundings.
HOME AREA NETWORK (HAN)
Home Area Network (HAN) is a type of network for homes allowing different computers to share resources, including a common Internet connection.
Advantages Of LAN:
- Hardware and software can be shared.
- All the users work can be stored in a central place.
- Data can be shared because database files stored in the server are available to users around the network.
- Printing can be slow, long print queues may develop.
- A virus can spread more easily.
- As data is shared there is a greater need for security.