LAN: Local area network is a computer network which interconnected computers in a small limited area such as a Lab, school, small campus, etc…
- It spans over a small geographical area, around one kilometer
- It is privately owned
- Data rate for the LAN is from 4 Mbps to 6 Mbps and a maximum of 100 Mbps
- In LAN all the machines are corrected to a single wire
- It is used within building, offices, etc…
- Topology: LAN supports topology: Bus, star, mesh, ring topologies are supported
Characteristics:
- Communication: Every computer in LAN can communicate with each other
- Easy physical connection of computers in a network
- High degree of interconnection between computers
- High data transmission rate
- Inexpensive media for data transmission
Advantages:
- Information sharing, Resource sharing
- LAN are easy to design and troubleshooting
- Scalable
- High data transmission
- Reliability of LAN is high
Disadvantages:
- Limited geographical area
- It requires professional person for initial setup.
- If there is problem in server or cable the whole network will be brought down
- Limited computers can be connected in LAN.
Applications:
- Remote Database access
- Personal computing
- File transfer and access
- Electronic message handling
- Word and text processing
