local area network (LAN), a computer network network, in computing, two or more computers connected for the purpose of routing, managing, and storing rapidly changing data. A local area network (LAN), which is restricted by distances of up to one mile, and a metropolitan area network (MAN), which is restricted
..... Click the link for more information. dedicated to sharing data among several single-user workstations or personal computers personal computer (PC), small but powerful computer primarily used in an office or home without the need to be connected to a larger computer. PCs evolved after the development of the microprocessor made possible the hobby-computer movement of the late 1970s, when
..... Click the link for more information. , each of which is called a node. A LAN can have from two to several hundred such nodes, each separated by distances of several feet to as much as a mile, and should be distinguished from connections among computers over public carriers, such as telephone circuits, that are used for other purposes. Because of the relatively small areas involved, the nodes in a LAN can be connected by special high-data-rate cables. A

metropolitan area network (MAN) is defined as being restricted to a larger area (maximum distances of 50–60 miles) than a LAN but one still small enough so that dedicated links (such as microwave links) can be used. See also modem fax modem enables a computer to send and receive transmissions to and from a fax machine (see facsimile ) or another fax modem.

Modems were first used with teletype machines to send telegrams and cablegrams.
..... Click the link for more information. .

Bibliography

See W. Stallings, Local and Metropolitan Area Networks (1993); M. N. O. Sadiku, Metropolitan Area Networks (1995).

local area network (LAN)

Communications network consisting of many computers within a local area, such as a single building or company complex. Individual users can share data or files on a LAN as if the data or files resided on their respective computers; a central computer used for this purpose is called a server. Laser printers and other peripheral equipment can be connected to a LAN for common use. Coaxial and fibre-optic cables are popular communication lines for LANs because they provide fast data transmission and are easy to install. See also computer network.

local area network

See LAN.

(networking)

local area network - (LAN) A data communications network which is geographically limited (typically to a 1 km radius) allowing easy interconnection of terminals, microprocessors and computers within adjacent buildings. Ethernet and FDDI are examples of standard LANs.

Because the network is known to cover only a small area, optimisations can be made in the network signal protocols that permit data rates up to 100Mb/s.

See also token ring, wide area network, metropolitan area network..

Usenet newsgroup: news:comp.dcom.lans.misc.

local area network (redirected from Local area network (LAN))

Bibliography

local area network (LAN)

local area network

local area network
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