LAN is the acronym for local area network. It’s a collection of computers and equipment in one location that share the same communication line or wireless link with servers in other parts of the world. From a single user’s home network to a corporate network with thousands of users and devices in an office or school, LANs can be vast or tiny.
Types of LAN
There are some types of LANs: client/server LAN, peer-to-peer LAN, wired LAN and wireless LAN.
A single server connects to several devices is known as clients in a client-server LAN setup. Client devices are unable to communicate with one another, and centralized machines handle network traffic management, network access control, and other tasks. On a local scale, this form of LAN might be faster, but on a larger size, it would place too much strain on the central server.
Peer-to-peer LANs are smaller than client/server LANs since they do not have a central server to handle severe workloads. All connected devices, whether servers or clients, can communicate with one another. On a peer-to-peer LAN, each device equally shares the network’s capabilities. These devices link to switches or routers via wired or wireless connections to share resources and data. Peer-to-peer networks make up the majority of home networks.
Wired LAN and wireless LAN are the types that more commonly used in today. Electrical waves, rather than tokens, are used to transfer data through optical fibers in wired LANs. Wired LAN is very dependable and quick, dependent on the central server’s performance. It can, however, limit portability and flexibility, particularly in workplaces with a large number of devices.
Wireless LANs are commonly used in homes to link computing devices, wearables, smart appliances, and other devices, but they also have a large enterprise market. This form of LAN transmits data via radio frequency, making it subject to security threats. It’s also power-hungry, with performance that varies based on the location of the wireless.
Whatever form of local area network is chosen, it will improve resource utilization and provide access to a wide range of users.
Benefits of LAN
Local area networks allow devices to communicate with one another by connecting, transmitting, and receiving data. Here are some benefits of LAN. LAN allows users to access centralized applications hosted on servers. And it allows all devices to store business-critical data in one spot. Users can also share resources and services through LAN easily. LAN enables a LAN’s various devices to share a single internet connection. It also uses network security techniques to secure LAN-connected devices.
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