A LAN connects two or more computers in a building or house. It can be wired or wireless, and requires a NIC and switch. A LAN allows sharing of files, resources, and an internet connection. It can be monitored by an administrator and is advantageous for businesses and homes. A wired LAN is reliable and safe, while a wireless LAN is easier to set up but requires more steps to be secure.
A local area network (LAN) consists of two or more computers connected together in a building or house using software and hardware. This is in contrast to a wide area network (WAN) like the Internet, which covers a large geographical area. In a LAN, there is a main computer or server and remote computers called clients. By creating this type of network in your home or office, the computers on it can share files, resources and, if desired, an Internet connection.
A LAN can be of two types: wired or wireless. A wired LAN requires an Ethernet cable to physically connect all of the computers on the network to a master device called a switch. The wireless type uses radio waves to communicate, eliminating the need for cables. Therefore, the hardware used in the network should be wireless or wired.
A LAN is easy enough to set up. All Microsoft operating systems since Windows 98 Special Edition (SE) have included built-in networking software. In terms of hardware, every computer requires a network interface card (NIC). A switch is also needed. This is a device that looks like an external modem and directs information over the network. If your LAN will communicate with another network, such as the Internet, you also need a router. Fortunately, you can purchase an external DSL modem with built-in switches and routers, in wireless or wired configurations.
Desktop computers typically use internal NICs that plug into an available slot on the motherboard, while a laptop might use a portable computer (PC) NIC. This type of NIC looks like a thick credit card that fits into the PC Card slot on your laptop.
If the LAN is to be wired, each NIC must have an Ethernet port for connecting an Ethernet cable. In a wireless LAN, each NIC may have a small radio wave antenna. The server is wired to the modem, switch or DSL router, while clients can communicate wirelessly if desired. If there is to be no connection to the Internet or any other network, a single switch will do.
Once the local network has been set up, an administrator can designate which files and programs can be shared on it. Some areas of the server may be kept behind a firewall to prevent access. All traffic on the network, including e-mail, Internet browsing and other activities can be monitored by the administrator using various tools.
The advantages of a LAN in the office are many. By having a central printer, for example, a business can avoid purchasing individual printers for each workstation. Workflow has improved while being easier than ever to monitor and administer. Flexibility and creativity can also improve. It is often a win-win situation for both management and employees.
A LAN at home is extremely convenient. Share programs, pictures, music and digital projects and enjoy games. Share a high-end color printer, scanner or other equipment. If you’re concerned about your children’s internet usage, this is one way to supervise their online activity.
A wired LAN is more troublesome to setup, requiring a physical Ethernet cable to run from each client to a DSL, switch, or router. However, this type is reliable and safe. A wireless LAN is easier to set up and less expensive, but requires a few more steps in software setup to be secure. It may also be slower than wired, but that depends on the wireless standard you use, as newer standards compete effectively with Ethernet speeds.
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