What is a LAN (Local Area Network)? | Definition, Features, and Types

A Local Area Network (LAN) links computers and devices. It is in a small physical space. For example, this could be one building or a workplace.

The normal reach is around 200 meters. This is for standard setups with Ethernet wires. But this length can be made longer.

To be exact, it can go up to 1 kilometer. This needs network boosters to make the signal stronger. Also, LANs use methods like Ethernet and Wi-Fi. These make sure the connection is steady.

Because of this, they let people share things and move data. They also allow people to work together. In the end, this makes work and being connected better.

What is LAN?

The most usual LAN use joins personal computers. It also joins work computers in offices and plants. This lets them share tools.

On top of that, they can swap data and programs. In all, it lets computers link together.

Also, the name “local network” covers the physical parts. It covers the needed computer programs, too. These programs link various devices. In the end, it works with information.

Historical

The first networks were for big mainframe computers. These are also linked to simple terminals. On top of that, they used IBM’s SNA. They also used Digital’s Network plan.

After that, LANs emerged with the rise of personal computers. They let people in small places send notes. People can also share documents. Plus, they can use shared tools like file holders.

Then, a new answer appeared called Netware. It gave strong help for many cards and wires. It also worked with many system types.

Because of this, Netware ruled the PC LAN world from 1983. This went on until the 1990s. At last, Microsoft brought out Windows NT Server.

Of all the rivals, just Banyan VINES was as strong. But Banyan won a steady group of users. At the same time, Microsoft and 3Com joined up.

They made a simple network system. It had 3Com’s 3+ Sharing core. It also used Microsoft’s LAN Manager. In the end, none of these tries was perfect.

Advantages

A firm needs many computers for its printers. Info on one computer is often required somewhere else. So, it must be moved over the network. If not, copying info causes waits. It also wastes space for no good reason.

The answer is a local area network. This lets people share data and devices. For one, it can share a printer. It also uses other talking tools. These are modems, ISDN cards, email, and chat.

Also, it lets work be spread out. This means jobs are split across different nodes. It joins user tasks and info together. This makes a company-wide system. So, putting information in one place makes handling teams simpler.

On top of that, a LAN saves a lot of money over time. It makes handling information and workers better. Also, you need to buy fewer devices. Workers will use less paper. So, they can all use one fast internet link.

Important Features

• Broadcast technology with a shared transmission medium.
• Transmission capacity between 1 Mbps and 1 Gbps.
• The maximum extension does not exceed 3 km (an FDDI can reach 200 km).
• Use of special communication tools.
• The simplicity of the transmission environment you use (Coaxial Cable, Telephone Cables, and Fiber Optic).
• Ease of making changes to hardware and software.
• A wide variety of connected devices.
• Possibility to connect with other networks.

What are Network Topologies?

A network topology sets a LAN’s shape. One part is the physical layout. This is the real place of the wires.

The other part is the Logical topology. It sets how computers get to the data. The most usual layouts are:

1. Physical Topologies

A circular bus topology uses a single Backbone cable that must be terminated at both ends. All hosts connect directly to this backbone.

Ring Topology

Ring topology connects one host to another and the last host to the first. This creates a physical cable loop.

Star Topology

Star layout links all wires to one middle spot. Then, a Big Star layout links these single stars. It does this by joining hubs or switches.

So, this layout can make the network bigger. In the same way, a tree layout is like a big star. But it links the network to one computer. This computer then directs the layout’s traffic.

Mesh Topology

Mesh layout gives the best possible safety. This helps stop work from breaking.

For one, it is perfect for nuclear power stations. In this layout, each point links to all others. But the Internet does not use a Full Mesh even though it has many roads to any place.

Tree Topology

The Tree Topology has multiple connected terminals so that the network branches from a base server.

2. Logical Topologies

The logical topology of a LAN network is how servers communicate within the environment. The two most common types of logical topology are Broadcast and Token Transfer.

Broadcast Topology

Broadcast Topology means that each Host sends its data to all other Hosts in the network environment. Stations do not have a queue to follow to use the network. Ethernet works on a first-come, first-served basis.

Token Transmission Topology

Token Transmission Topology controls access to the network by transmitting an electronic Token to each Host in turn.

When a host receives the token, that host can send data over the network. If there is no data to be sent to the host machine, the coin is passed to the next host, and the process is repeated.

Two examples of networks using token transmission are the Token Ring and Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI). Arcnet is a variation of Token Ring and FDDI. Arcnet is the transmission of Token Ring’s Bus Topology.

Comparison of Network Types

The choice of local networks is extensive. There are answers for almost every case. You can pick the best kind.

You can also pick the layout and sending style. But there are three normal answers you can use. These are Ethernet, Token Ring, and ARCNET.

First, think about how many stations you have. Also, think about the longest space between them. How hard the wires are to put in matters too.

Plus, think about how fast the network answers. Last, think about sending data to other networks.

Now, we can look at the three network kinds. Let’s say Ethernet uses Coaxial Cable.

Also, say ARCNET uses Shielded Twisted Pair Cable. For putting it in, ARCNET is the simplest to set up.

For how fast Ethernet works at 10/100/1000 Mb/s. ARCNET goes at 2.5 Mb/s. At the same time, Token Ring works at 4 Mb/s. Right now, Token Ring has a 16 Mb/s kind. But it needs a more costly wire type.

When we look at price, ARCNET costs the least. On the other hand, Token Ring incurs the most expenses. Its PC cards cost less.

But, its wires cost more. In the same way, Ethernet PC cards are low-cost. But its wires are pricey. They also need an MAU for every eight people.

What are the Components of a LAN Network?

1. Server

This computer shares its tools with the network. It has a lot of thinking power. It also keeps all the key data. In the end, it links to shared tools.

2. Workstation

These computers take services from servers. They also get to use network tools.

3. Gateway

This is a part and a program. It lets different networks talk. To be exact, it links a LAN to big host computers. It also changes the talk rules between them.

4. Bridge

This joins two local networks. An inside bridge is on a server. An outside bridge is on a workstation. These devices can also be near or far. Near bridges join networks in one place. Far bridges join separate networks. They use open networks like phone lines or ISDN.

5. Network Card

This is also known as a NIC. It works as a go-between. It joins a computer to the network. Its talk rules are written here. It joins through slots like ISA or PCI. Sometimes it is built into the main board.

6. Media

This covers wires and plugs. They connect the network parts. Normal media are twisted pair and coaxial wire. Light wires are also used.

7. Wiring Hubs

A bus LAN uses cards and coaxial wires. But this makes repairs very hard. For one, one broken link stops the whole network. So, LANs use hubs to avoid this. Hubs put all links in one place. They also have state lights. Because of this, they stop one-point breaks.

There are two kinds of wiring hubs:

1. Passive hubs: They work as simple link points. Their main job is to join the whole network.
2. Active hubs: They do basic hub jobs. On top of that, they boost and copy the signals they get.

Cable hubs have two link types. These join stations and other hubs. This lets them make the network bigger. Hubs are sorted by their inside links. This part is called the thinking layout.

There are two main types:

1. Thinking bus layout (HUB): These units send signs from every output. So, the network works like a bus.
2. Hubs with ring thinking layout (MAU): The network works like a thinking ring. It sends a signal from one port to the next.

Conclusion

In the end, Local Area Networks are key for any group. They make talking and working together easy. This works for any office or small space. LANs link computers and devices.

So, they let people share tools without stops. This includes printers and information. In all, this makes the work better and flows smoother.

Their past changed from big mainframe systems. Now, we have new answers. This shows significant steps in technology. Many network layouts are ready. So, groups can pick the best shape. This makes sure they are both steady and can grow.

Technology will keep on changing. But, LANs will stay a fundamental part. They will adjust to fit new needs. Groups should use the LAN’s good points. This helps make their work better and cuts costs. Plus, it builds a team space for winning.