A LAN connects computers in close proximity to share resources and online access. It can be wired or wireless, with a server and clients connected to a hub/router. Each computer needs a unique address and network card to communicate. A wireless LAN uses IEEE 802.11 standards, with 802.11n being the latest and fastest. Certified network devices are more desirable for corporate LANs.
A local area network (LAN) connects computers that are relatively close together to share files, printers, other resources, and online access. LANs are used in homes and businesses and can be wired or wireless. Due to the ubiquitous use of acronyms that have become virtual words, many use the term “LAN” even if it is redundant. Attaching “network” to the acronym can remind people new to networking what the acronym refers to. This article will use the term keeping in mind for the reader that the correct usage is LAN.
A LAN will allow computers in a home or office to talk to each other, pass files, use a common database, and share a printer or fax machine, to name a few advantages. It is also possible to share a high-speed Internet account on a LAN to provide online access to all computers connected to the network. So how does a LAN work?
In network architecture a main computer is designated as a server and all other computers are called clients. The server and clients must all be connected to an external hub, a kind of box that acts as a junction. Now that computers have an intersection to operate through, they need a traffic warden to route the traffic. Therefore, each hub contains what is known as a router.
To route traffic through the LAN, each computer on the network must have a unique address. This unique address is provided by a network card, commonly installed inside every computer. The network card not only provides a unique address, but also uses a language or protocol to talk to the hub/router. The hub/router and network adapters must all speak the same language or be compatible with the same network protocol or standard to function.
With the hub/router installed and all network cards installed, the LAN is ready to be configured for use to share files or resources. If online access is desired, the hub/router must be connected to a high-speed modem. Alternatively, you can purchase a high-speed modem with a built-in hub and router.
A LAN can be wired or wireless. If you are setting up a wired network, all computers must be connected to the hub/router using Ethernet cables. This can get expensive if the wiring has to be run through walls or ceilings. The alternative is a wireless LAN, which communicates via radio waves.
Before purchasing network devices, you need to decide whether your LAN will be wired or wireless. Wired adapters have an Ethernet port for cabling, while wireless adapters and hubs/routers contain radios for sending and receiving radio broadcasts.
If your LAN is to be wireless, it will work using a set of standards known as IEEE 802.11. Within the 802.11 standards there are several flavors, with the most recent being 802.11n. This standard is replacing the older 802.11g standard, with 802.11n being faster and transmitting over a wider range.
It is wiser to build a wireless LAN using the latest standard to future-proof the investment. As of spring 2009, this means that all network devices should be 802.11n compliant. A network adapter or router that only supports the older 802.11g standard will not work in an 802.11n network unless the hub/router supports both 802.11g and 802.11n protocols.
The packaging or specifications of wireless network devices should clearly state which protocols are supported. Some devices have a Wi-Fi® certification issued by the Wi-Fi Alliance, the organization responsible for overseeing wireless standards. These products are guaranteed to be fully compliant after being tested. Products that don’t carry certification will still indicate which protocols they support and may be less expensive, as the certification process adds to the cost of the product. If you are setting up a corporate LAN, certified network devices may be more desirable.
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