Local Area Network (LAN)
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network covering a small geographic area, such as a home, office, or small group of buildings. It usually involves connecting computers and other networked devices within a relatively confined space, such as a home or office building. In most cases, LANs are set up using specific types of cabling and networking equipment, such as ethernet cables and network switches.
The main purpose of a LAN is to connect computers and other devices together so they can share resources such as files, networked printers, or internet access. LANs can either be wired or wireless, though most modern LANs are a mixture of both. A wired LAN is typically a physical network with cables connecting each device to a switch or router. Wireless LANs (sometimes referred to as Wi-Fi networks) use radio technology to transmit data between computers and other networked devices without the need for wires or cables.
LANs are common in workplaces, schools, and homes. They provide the ability to easily connect multiple computers and devices over a short distance, which makes them ideal for sharing resources, such as files, printers, and internet access. Additionally, modern LANs support technologies such as VoIP and streaming media, which allows for teleconferencing, video streaming, and other tasks.
Overall, the primary use of a LAN is to enable local sharing of resources between computers, which can save money compared to buying multiple dedicated connections, as well as allowing for more efficient collaboration and communication.
