{"id":2252,"date":"2019-01-30T13:56:34","date_gmt":"2019-01-30T08:26:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/206.189.135.142\/ip\/?p=2252"},"modified":"2021-02-09T15:53:57","modified_gmt":"2021-02-09T10:23:57","slug":"lan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/lan\/","title":{"rendered":"What is LAN? Detailed explanation"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1><strong>Introduction to LAN<\/strong><\/h1>\n<div class=\"netwo-in-between-content\" id=\"netwo-2417108853\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1375203873676133\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1375203873676133\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"2134143805\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><p>Computer Networks can be divided into various types depending upon their size and usability. The size of a network can be assessed by its geographical distribution. It can be as small as a room with a few devices\/computers or as widespread as across the world, with a million of interconnected devices. Some of the most important types of computer networks are :<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>PAN<\/li>\n<li>LAN<\/li>\n<li>WAN<\/li>\n<li>MAN<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15009 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/COMPUTER-NETWORK-TYPES.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"455\" srcset=\"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/COMPUTER-NETWORK-TYPES.jpg 800w, https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/COMPUTER-NETWORK-TYPES-768x437.jpg 768w, https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/COMPUTER-NETWORK-TYPES-300x171.jpg 300w, https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/COMPUTER-NETWORK-TYPES-600x341.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In this article, we will try to understand LAN in detail.<\/p>\n<h2>What is LAN?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>LAN<\/strong>\u00a0is abbreviation for\u00a0<strong>Local Area Network.<\/strong> LAN is a network covering a small geographic area and connecting various end devices like computers and printers. LAN is usually limited to a home, office, school or building. Speed is higher (upto 1Gbps \/ 10 Gbps) and setup is less expensive. The end devices like computers, printers, etc. are connected either with an <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/ipwithease.com\/patch-cable-vs-ethernet-cable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ethernet cable<\/a> <\/span>to the router or through a wireless router.<\/p>\n<p>In case there are multiple LANs, that can be connected over a telephone line or radio wave. The setup is managed and controlled by each customer itself. LAN is considered pretty secured and easy to manage.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-16\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block tech-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text\">Types of LANs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0-17\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">There are two types of LANs:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">client\/server LANs<\/li>\n<li class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">peer-to-peer LANs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">1.Client\/Server LANs:<\/h3>\n<p class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">In this type of LAN, several devices\/clients are connected to a central server. This central server is responsible for managing the access to the printer, storage of files and all the traffic through the network. A single device\/client can be a PC, a tablet, a laptop or other similar devices capable of running applications. The connect between the central and the devices\/clients can be either with ethernet cables or through a wi-fi connection.<\/p>\n<h3>2.Peer-to-Peer LANs<\/h3>\n<p>In this type of LAN, there is no central server and thus cannot handle heavy workloads. Each PC\/device is shared equally in running the network. These devices share all the resources and data and are connected either through a wired or wireless connection to a router. The most prominent example of peer-to-peer LAN is the home network.<\/p>\n<h2>Advantages of LAN<\/h2>\n<p>The major advantages of using LAN computer networks are :<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cost effective as it significantly reduces the hardware cost.<\/li>\n<li>In terms of\u00a0 software also its economical as there is no need to purchase separate licensed software for each client in the network.<\/li>\n<li>It offers an increased operational efficiency as all the data is stored in the central server.<\/li>\n<li>It provides an ease of communication as transferring data over the connected devices is possible in the real time.<\/li>\n<li>With the advent of wi-fi technology, the spectrum of the type of devices that can be connected in a LAN has broadened.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Disadvantages of LAN<\/h2>\n<p>The main disadvantages of LAN are :<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Any discrepancy in the security of centralized data repository can result in unauthorized access of critical data.<\/li>\n<li>The initial cost of installation of Local Area Networks can be quite high.<\/li>\n<li>Privacy can be an issue as the LAN administrator has the access to personal data files of every LAN user.<\/li>\n<li>A constant LAN administration is required to cope up with the issues related to software setup and hardware failures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Continue Reading:<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/lan-vs-wan-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">LAN vs WAN<\/span><\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>FAQs Related to LAN:<\/h2>\n<div id=\"_8FEiYPnBLszw9QPAm7vYCQ24\" class=\"mWyH1d hide-focus-ring FXMOpb\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"_8FEiYPnBLszw9QPAm7vYCQ23\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"hide-focus-ring cbphWd\" data-kt=\"Ki6l07vTqY61yk_Fif3xuoOpk1ncg6e-paOw7NIBgLDz3Ky3jaV5o__H9K-f0bYF\" data-hveid=\"CBAQAw\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj5-b_2utzuAhVMeH0KHcDNDpsQuk4oAHoECBAQAw\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">How secure is a Local Area Network?<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<li class=\"hide-focus-ring cbphWd\" data-kt=\"Ki6l07vTqY61yk_Fif3xuoOpk1ncg6e-paOw7NIBgLDz3Ky3jaV5o__H9K-f0bYF\" data-hveid=\"CBAQAw\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj5-b_2utzuAhVMeH0KHcDNDpsQuk4oAHoECBAQAw\"><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><span class=\"ILfuVd NA6bn\"><span class=\"hgKElc\">As <b>LAN<\/b> is local and is managed in a small room\/building, it should be more <b>secure<\/b>. However, a<\/span><\/span>ny discrepancy in the security of centralized data repository can result in unauthorized access of critical data.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"hide-focus-ring cbphWd\" data-kt=\"Ki6l07vTqY61yk_Fif3xuoOpk1ncg6e-paOw7NIBgLDz3Ky3jaV5o__H9K-f0bYF\" data-hveid=\"CBAQAw\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj5-b_2utzuAhVMeH0KHcDNDpsQuk4oAHoECBAQAw\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Is LAN faster than WAN?<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<li class=\"hide-focus-ring cbphWd\" data-kt=\"Ki6l07vTqY61yk_Fif3xuoOpk1ncg6e-paOw7NIBgLDz3Ky3jaV5o__H9K-f0bYF\" data-hveid=\"CBAQAw\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj5-b_2utzuAhVMeH0KHcDNDpsQuk4oAHoECBAQAw\"><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><b>Yes, LAN <\/b>is comparatively faster than <b>WAN.<\/b>\u00a0<b>LAN<\/b>\u00a0is a computer\u00a0<b>network<\/b> confined to a small geographic area, this results in higher\u00a0speed of <b>LAN<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"hide-focus-ring cbphWd\" data-kt=\"Ki6l07vTqY61yk_Fif3xuoOpk1ncg6e-paOw7NIBgLDz3Ky3jaV5o__H9K-f0bYF\" data-hveid=\"CBAQAw\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj5-b_2utzuAhVMeH0KHcDNDpsQuk4oAHoECBAQAw\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">How are computers connected in a LAN?<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<li class=\"hide-focus-ring cbphWd\" data-kt=\"Ki6l07vTqY61yk_Fif3xuoOpk1ncg6e-paOw7NIBgLDz3Ky3jaV5o__H9K-f0bYF\" data-hveid=\"CBAQAw\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj5-b_2utzuAhVMeH0KHcDNDpsQuk4oAHoECBAQAw\"><span style=\"color: #339966;\">Computers\/devices can be connected physically using <strong>ethernet cable<\/strong> or through a<strong> wi-fi connection<\/strong> to the router. In case a router supports <strong>both<\/strong> the ethernet and wi-fi connection, then LAN can have combination of both the connections.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"hide-focus-ring cbphWd\" data-kt=\"Ki6l07vTqY61yk_Fif3xuoOpk1ncg6e-paOw7NIBgLDz3Ky3jaV5o__H9K-f0bYF\" data-hveid=\"CBAQAw\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj5-b_2utzuAhVMeH0KHcDNDpsQuk4oAHoECBAQAw\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Name the 2 types of LAN networks.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<li class=\"hide-focus-ring cbphWd\" data-kt=\"Ki6l07vTqY61yk_Fif3xuoOpk1ncg6e-paOw7NIBgLDz3Ky3jaV5o__H9K-f0bYF\" data-hveid=\"CBAQAw\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj5-b_2utzuAhVMeH0KHcDNDpsQuk4oAHoECBAQAw\"><span style=\"color: #339966;\">The two types of LANs are: <b>client\/server<\/b>\u00a0LANs and\u00a0<b>peer-to-peer<\/b> LANs. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"hide-focus-ring cbphWd\" data-kt=\"Ki6l07vTqY61yk_Fif3xuoOpk1ncg6e-paOw7NIBgLDz3Ky3jaV5o__H9K-f0bYF\" data-hveid=\"CBAQAw\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj5-b_2utzuAhVMeH0KHcDNDpsQuk4oAHoECBAQAw\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>How much area does a LAN network cover?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"hide-focus-ring cbphWd\" data-kt=\"Ki6l07vTqY61yk_Fif3xuoOpk1ncg6e-paOw7NIBgLDz3Ky3jaV5o__H9K-f0bYF\" data-hveid=\"CBAQAw\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwj5-b_2utzuAhVMeH0KHcDNDpsQuk4oAHoECBAQAw\"><span style=\"color: #339966;\">A\u00a0<b>LAN<\/b> network&#8217;s\u00a0 <b>coverage <\/b>is limited between <strong>100-1000 meters. <\/strong>That&#8217;s why it is called Local Area Network.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>If you want to learn more about LAN, then check our e-book on <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><em><strong><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/product\/lan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LAN Interview Questions and Answers<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/span> in easy to understand PDF Format explained with relevant Diagrams (where required) for better ease of understanding.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/product\/lan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-12150\" src=\"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/LAN-253x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"168\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/LAN-253x300.jpg 253w, https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/LAN-300x356.jpg 300w, https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/LAN.jpg 505w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 168px) 100vw, 168px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"netwo-after-content\" id=\"netwo-3750340962\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1375203873676133\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1375203873676133\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"2134143805\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction to LAN Computer Networks can be divided into various types depending upon their size and usability. The size of a network can be assessed by its geographical distribution. It can be as small as a room with a few &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":146,"featured_media":2254,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,74],"tags":[86],"class_list":["post-2252","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-techblog","category-routing","tag-layer-3"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/LAN-e1557151325555.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2252","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/146"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2252"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2252\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2254"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2252"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2252"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/networkinterview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2252"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}