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LA (local area)

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Local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network that covers a small geographical area such as a home, office, or a small group of buildings. In this article, we will be discussing Local Area Network (LAN), its features, types, and how it works.

Features of Local Area Network (LAN)

  1. Geographical Coverage: Local Area Network (LAN) covers a small geographical area, which is typically limited to a few kilometers.
  2. High-Speed Data Transfer: LANs provide high-speed data transfer rates that allow users to share files and communicate with each other quickly and efficiently.
  3. Shared Resources: A LAN allows users to share resources such as printers, scanners, and other peripheral devices. This reduces the need for every user to have their own personal devices.
  4. Security: LANs provide a secure environment for users to share information and resources. Access to the network is controlled through passwords and user authentication.
  5. Easy Administration: LANs are relatively easy to administer, as all network devices are located in the same area.

Types of Local Area Network (LAN)

There are several types of LAN, including the following:

  1. Ethernet LAN: This is the most common type of LAN, which uses Ethernet cables to connect devices to the network. Ethernet LANs can be wired or wireless.
  2. Token Ring LAN: This type of LAN uses a token to control access to the network. Only users with the token can send data on the network.
  3. Wireless LAN: This type of LAN uses radio waves to connect devices to the network. Wireless LANs are convenient, as they eliminate the need for cables, but they can also be less secure than wired LANs.
  4. Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) LAN: This type of LAN uses fiber optic cables to connect devices to the network. FDDI LANs are fast and reliable but can be expensive to install.

How Local Area Network (LAN) Works

A Local Area Network (LAN) consists of several interconnected devices such as computers, servers, printers, and other peripheral devices. These devices are connected to each other through network cables, wireless signals, or fiber optic cables. The devices communicate with each other using a common language called a protocol.

The most commonly used protocol in LANs is the Ethernet protocol. Ethernet uses a carrier sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA/CD) protocol to manage access to the network. When a device wants to send data on the network, it checks to see if the network is free. If the network is busy, the device waits for a random amount of time before trying again. If two devices try to send data at the same time, a collision occurs. When a collision occurs, both devices stop sending data and wait for a random amount of time before trying again.

LANs can be connected to other LANs or to the internet through a device called a router. A router is a networking device that connects two or more networks together and manages the traffic between them. When a device on a LAN wants to communicate with a device on another LAN or on the internet, the data is sent to the router, which then forwards it to the appropriate network.

Conclusion

Local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network that covers a small geographical area such as a home, office, or a small group of buildings. LANs provide high-speed data transfer rates, shared resources, security, and easy administration. There are several types of LANs, including Ethernet LAN, Token Ring LAN, Wireless LAN, and FDDI LAN. Devices on a LAN communicate with each other using a protocol such as Ethernet, and LANs can be connected to other LANs or to the internet through a device called a router.