LAN is a type of computer network where computers are connected within room ,building or local area with the help of wire or wireless medium to share resources among each other. In a simple word we can say that, it is a small network of computers that are relatively near with each other. It is widely useful network for sharing resources like files, printers, games, and other applications.The network of computers in an office room, cyber are the example of the LAN. LAN offers bandwidth of 10-100 Mbps. The LAN where Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).
Uses of LAN:-
* System resources can be share like a printer
* Easy to manage data storage
* Data is more secured from being copied or destroyed.
Function of LAN:-
* To provide access to hardware and software resources that allows user to perform one or more following activity:-
- File serving :-
Devices within the same network can have data sharing with high security compared to other types of network.
- Print serving :-
Computers on same network can access printers connected to same network. However, all the devices connected must have same work group assigned.
Some facts of LAN:-
* LANs can be wireless.
* LANs segments can be connected by fiber optic cabling.
* LANs can be 100 MB or higher.
* LANs have switches to connect device together.
* LANs switches reduce cost of cabling device together.
* LANs can connect to alarm systems.
Advantages of LAN:-
* Easy to share devices.
* It is cheaper to establish, manage , and operate.
* Users can access same files.
* Very fast and reliable data transmission.
* Provides easy maintenance.
Disadvantages of LAN:-
* Virus can be spread easily.
* It requires large cabling.
* Difficult to make system secure from hackers.
* High setup cost.
* Due to sharing of resources, sometimes operational speed may be slow down.
Features of LAN:-
* A single organization owns it.
* The diameter of LAN is not more than three kilometers.
* It is not affected by environmental factors.
* It connects comparatively less number of computers.
* It is cheaper to establish, manage and operate.
