7 Advantages and Disadvantages of LAN | Limitations & Benefits of LAN

What is LAN ?

Local Area Network

(

LAN

) is a

type of network which connects

computers of limited geographical range (Probably within a building or a house). In order for connecting computers and devices within a particular network LAN uses either Wifi or Ethernet connection. 

What is the use of LAN ?

Not only LAN connects computers, it does the work of communicating devices such as routers, hubs and switches. It is no doubt that through LAN communication has made much more efficient. However LAN aren’t flawless. LAN has certain pros and cons that you need to know before network installation.

In this article, I will be illustrating about 7 Advantages and Disadvantages of LAN | Limitations & Benefits of LAN. From this post, you know the pros and cons of using LAN network.

Let’s get started,

Advantages of LAN

1. Resource Sharing

Sharing of resources such as hard disk drives, DVD drives and Printers are made easy in Local Area Network. For an example all the resources can be connected to one single computer with a network so that whenever there is a need of resources it can be shared with the connected computers.

2. Software Sharing

Another type of sharing made easy here is the Software sharing. A single computer with the licensed software can be shared among other users in the network. There is no need to purchase individual license for each and every computer in the network. All can be worked under one single license.

3. Convenient Communication

Using LAN users can exchange messages and data in a convenient way. Since the data is placed on the server it can be accessed anytime by the LAN users. Every single LAN user can do this with others on the network. Hence, this not only saves lots of time, it ensures that messages get delivered to the right people.

4. Centralized Data

As mentioned earlier data of the users are located at the centralized server. Any workstation in a particular network can be used to access this information. Moreover users can access their own set of data by logging into their respective accounts.

5. Improved Security

Since data is stored on a local server, it can be guaranteed to be secure. If the data on the server is updated then simply all the LAN users can access them. In addition to that, the host has the capability to deny or allow users in a particular network so that additional security measurements can be imposed.

6. Internet Sharing

LAN has the capability to share internet connection among all the LAN users. One single computer with an internet connection shares internet with all the connected computers. This type of infrastructure can be seen in Offices and Netcafes.

7. Computer Identification

For the purpose of identification, each computers on the LAN is assigned with a

MAC address

. This address will be normally used when sending and receiving data. In modern computers these data is stored inside the network adapter that comes attached with the motherboard.

Disadvantages of LAN

1. Implementation Cost

Even though LAN saves lots of money in terms of resource sharing, the initial cost involved in setting up the network is quite high. This is mainly due to the requirement of a special software that is needed to make a server. In addition to that purchasing of hardware equipments such as routers, hubs, switches and cables are required for the first time setup.

2. Policy Violations

Since all the data of the connected computers are stored inside a central server, unauthorized users can view all the browsing history and downloads of all the connected computers. Especially the LAN administrator has the authority to check personal data of each and every LAN user. Therefore, this can lead to Policy violations.

3. Security

Since it is rather easy to gain access to programs and other types of data, security concerns are a big issue in LAN. The sole responsibility to stop unauthorized access is in the hands of LAN administrators. The LAN administrator has to make sure that the centralized data is properly secured by implementing correct set of rules and privacy policies on the server.

4. Maintenance

LAN often faces hardware problems and system failure. Hence, it requires a special administrator to look after these issues. The administrator needs to be well knowledgeable in the field of networking and needed at its full time job.

5. Area Coverage

LAN is usually made to cover up a limited distance (up to 10km). Most probably it is operated in small areas such as in offices, banks and schools. This is because its cabling system cannot be extended more than a certain range.

6. Server Crashes

Central server which is present on the LAN architecture manages all the attached computers. If in case the server encounters any faults all the connected computers are affected too. For an example if the files on the server gets corrupted, no more data on the attached computers can be accessible.

7. Malware Spreading

Appearance of virus in a LAN based infrastructure is highly dangerous. If one the attached computers are affected with a virus, it can easily spread to the remaining computers present on the network.