What Is a LAN (Local Area Network)? Definition, Types, & Benefits

Most of us might be familiar with the term LAN, yet many individuals struggle to provide a clear definition or explain its practical application. The purpose of this article is to offer a comprehensive understanding of what a LAN is.

What Is a LAN?

LAN stands for Local Area Network, which consists of a group of computers and peripheral devices within a one-kilometer radius. It includes routers, switches, access points, and cables that connect devices to internet servers and web servers within a variable range, from small houses or offices to large buildings, using Ethernet and Wi-Fi technology. Personal computers and workstations can access and share resources with each other through a single Internet connection or wireless link.

In the 1960s, universities and research institutes were the early adopters of LANs for recording student grades, experimental data, and resource sharing. LANs didn't gain widespread adoption in enterprises until the introduction of Ethernet in 1976. The first commercial user of LANs emerged, which was Chase Manhattan Bank. Since the 1980s, LAN has become the most widely used network communication technology.

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Two Types of LANs

As a specific introduction to a LAN has been provided above, let's proceed to discuss its types. There are two distinct types of LANs - Client/Server LANs and Peer-to-Peer LANs.

Client/Server LANs

A client/server LAN (Local Area Network) is connected to a central server, which manages file storage, application or device access, and network traffic. It consists of multiple devices (the clients), such as personal computers, laptops, or any devices running applications or accessing the Internet. Clients can connect to the central server using either wired cables or wireless connections. As a result, most businesses, institutions, and schools utilize LANs.

Peer-to-Peer LANs

In comparison to client/server LANs, peer-to-peer LANs without a central server are less capable of handling heavy workloads since they are smaller in scale. On a peer-to-peer LAN, all devices equally share the utilization of the network. In everyday life, most home networks are based on peer-to-peer LANs, allowing devices to freely exchange data or files with one another.

The Advantages of Using a LAN

A Local Area Network (LAN) is commonly used for sharing data among various devices. Plus, it has the following advantages:

• Compared to other network communication technologies, LAN appears more practical and convenient, enabling easy and rapid data sharing among all connected devices.
• LAN users can log into their accounts and access the central server where all data is stored.
• A LAN can block unauthorized users from accessing connected devices, providing safety for multiple users to protect their data on computers.
• Furthermore, maintaining a LAN is straightforward.

"Wrap Up" means "Summary" or "Conclusion" in American English.

We understand that Local Area Networks (LANs) are extensively employed in our daily lives. Owing to their security and convenience, they have become the preferred option for users. By now, you should be familiar with its definition, types, and advantages from the information provided. So, are you one of the many users of LANs? The answer is most likely "Yes."