A LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of computers and peripheral devices connected in a local area, such as a school, laboratory, house, or workplace. It’s a common network for sharing files, printers, games, and other software. A Local area network that connects PCs and printers in a person’s home or office is the most basic type. In general, Local area network will employed as a communication medium.
It’s a network of fewer than 5000 networked devices scattered across multiple buildings.
Characteristics of LAN
The following are some of the most important aspects of a Local area network:
- It is never govern by a third party because it is a private network.
- It is a quicker WAN technology than other WAN technologies.
- Two examples of media access control technologies are token ring and ethernet.
Uses
Local Area Network not only links computers, but it also facilitates communication between devices such as routers, hubs, and switches. There is no denying that LAN networking has made communication considerably more efficient. However, LANs are not without flaws. Before installing a LAN, you should be aware of its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of LAN
The following are the advantages :
- Communication – LAN allows users to send and receive messages and data in a convenient manner. Because the data is store on the server, LAN users can access it at any time. This is something that each LAN user can do with others on the network. As a result, not only does this save time, but it also assures that communications reach the intended recipients.
- Resource sharing – Computer resources such as printers, scanners, modems, DVD-ROM drives, and hard discs can be shared within the linked devices using a LAN. This lowers the cost of hardware and lowers the amount of money spent on it.
- Internet sharing – The ability to share a single internet connection among all LAN users is provided by a local area network. A single internet connection is used to give internet to all linked computers in school laboratories and internet cafes.
- Software sharing – Software sharing is another sort of sharing that is made simple here. Other users on the network can share a single computer with the licensed software. There is no need to acquire a separate licence for each machine on the network. All of this can done under a single licence.
- Security – Data may assure to be secure because it is store on a local server. When the data on the server is updated, all LAN users have access to it. Furthermore, the host has the power to restrict or accept users in a specific network, allowing for extra security measures to implemented.
- Centralized data – The data of all network users can saved on the central/server computer’s hard disc. This allows users to access data from any computer on the network.
Disadvantages
The following are some of the disadvantages :
- Because of shared computer resources, LANs will save money, but the initial cost of setting up a LAN is fairly significant.
- Because the LAN administrator has access to every LAN user’s personal data files, it does not provide adequate privacy.
- Unauthorized users can gain access to an organization’s essential data if the LAN administrator fails to secure the centralised data repository.
- Because there are issues with software setup and hardware failures, a constant LAN administration is require.
Interested in learning about similar topics? Here are a few hand-picked blogs for you!
- What is DBMS?
- Explain Asymptotic notation?
- What is Constructor?
- Illustrate object oriented programming?