Local area network

A local area network (LAN) is a computer network covering a local area, like a home, office or small group of buildings such as a college.

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When using ethernet the computers are usually wired to a hub or to a switch. This constitutes the physical layer. Whilst computers are often connected using ethernet cards that take up an expansion slot inside the computer, it is also possible to transmit information from one computer to another using serial or parallel ports. The method was somewhat whimsically called a zero-slot LAN. This designation is now rather archaic.

Related Topics:
Ethernet - Hub - Switch - Physical layer - Serial or parallel port

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A layout known as a spanning tree protocol is often used to maintain a loop free network topology within a LAN, particularly with ethernet.

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A number of network protocols may use the basic physical layer including TCP/IP. In this case DHCP is a convenient way to obtain an IP address rather than using fixed addressing. LANs can be interlinked by connections to form a Wide area network. A router is used to make the connection between LANs.

Related Topics:
Protocols - TCP/IP - DHCP - IP address - Router

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LANs are distinguished from other kinds of networks by three characteristics: (1) their size, (2) their transmission technology, and (3) their topology.

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