Local Area Network (LAN)

Networks used to interconnect computers in a single room, rooms within a building or buildings on one site are called Local Area Network (LAN).

LAN links computers, i.e., software and hardware, in the same area for the purpose of sharing information. Usually LAN links computers within a limited geographical area because they must be connected by a cable, which is quite expensive.

Characteristics of LAN :

Every computer has the potential to communicate with any other computers of the network
High degree of interconnection between computers
Easy physical connection of computers in a network
Inexpensive medium of data transmission
High data transmission rate

Advantages of LAN

The reliability of network is high because the failure of one computer in the network does not effect the functioning for other computers.
Addition of new computer to network is easy.
High rate of data transmission is possible.
Peripheral devices like magnetic disk and printer can be shared by other computers.

Disadvantages of LAN

If the communication line fails, the entire network system breaks down.

Use of LAN

File transfers and Access
Word and text processing
Electronic message handling
Remote database access
Personal computing
Digital voice transmission and storage