What is LAN? Examples of LAN

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In networking, a network is classified into several types, such as LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), CAN (Campus Area Network) and so on. Today we are going to talk about LAN and take some examples to acknowledge about it.

What is LAN?

A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line or wireless link to a server. Typically, a LAN encompasses computers and peripherals connected to a server within a distinct geographic area such as an office or a commercial establishment.

Ethernet and Wi-Fi are the two most common technologies in use for local area networks.

A conceptual diagram of a local area network

lan network
Figure from Wikipedia

How does LAN work?

Early LAN (Local Area Network) networks were formed using coaxial cable, coax is an electric cable and it is used to carry radio signals. LAN (Local Area Network) setup is developed by connecting two or more than two computers with each other using a physical connection in order to share files and data overtime. The basic application of this cable is to connect the radio transmitters with their antennas. However it is also used for developing internet connections and for distributing cable channels. Most common type of developing LAN (Local Area Network) network is the Ethernet. Ethernet has proved to be an effective way to serve as a data transfer medium for internet protocols. Usually Ethernet cables are extended to the length of 100 meters, but this is not the ultimate limit.

Examples of Local Area Network (LAN)

LAN enables you to store data in any central computer from where it can be shared throughout the organization. File transfer and recovery is easy in a LAN (Local Area Network) network because backup files are stored in a single server. So it widely used in the following scenarios:

  • Networking in home, office.
  • Networking in school, laboratory, university campus.
  • Networking between two computers.
  • Wi-Fi (When we consider wireless LAN).