LAN- Local Area Network
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a type of network that links computers, devices, and servers within a confined geographic area, such as a single building, campus, or office. LANs enable fast, direct data communication between devices, allowing users to share resources, such as printers, files, or internet connections, efficiently and cost-effectively. Since LANs cover smaller areas, they often use Ethernet or Wi-Fi for connectivity, providing high speeds and low latency compared to other network types.
LANs are essential in environments where collaboration and resource sharing are needed. In a typical office LAN setup, each user can access shared drives, communicate over internal messaging systems, and collaborate seamlessly on shared files. LANs also enhance security since they are usually isolated from public networks, offering controlled access to network resources. Through the use of routers, LANs can connect to larger networks or the internet, making them a foundational building block of modern networking infrastructure.