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A
computer
network that spans a relatively small area. Most LANs
are confined to a single building or group of buildings.
However, one LAN can be connected to other LANs over any
distance via telephone lines and radio waves
Most LANs connect
workstations and personal computers. Each node
(individual computer ) in a LAN has its own CPU with which
it executes programs, but it also is able to access data and
devices anywhere on the LAN. This means that many users can
share expensive devices, such as laser printers, as well as
data. Users can also use the LAN to communicate with each
other, by sending e-mail or engaging in chat sessions.
LANs are capable
of transmitting data at very fast rates, much faster than
data can be transmitted over a telephone line; but the
distances are limited, and there is also a limit on the
number of computers that can be attached to a single LAN. |
