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3. LAN - Local Area Network - Business

A Local Area Network (LAN) is the next step up in network size.

Local area networks consist of networked devices that are all within a fairly close geographical area. This might mean that the nodes are located in the same room or perhaps within the same, or nearby, buildings. LANs may cover areas such as a university campus, hospital, library or school.

The diagram below shows a typical business LAN with a network server connected to a number of computers. A wireless access point is also connected to the network so that Wi-Fi devices such as laptops can connect to the network.

This configuration of LAN is called Client-Server.

Each device requires an IP address that identifies it. This is usually a dynamic IP address obtained from the local DHCP (Domain Host Configuration Protocol) server that is also on the LAN. For example the central server may provide DHCP as a service.

a typical LAN

Computers and devices can be connected by physical Ethernet cables, which are usually owned by the organisation. They can also be connected wirelessly by using Wi-Fi connections.

To log onto a LAN, you usually need a user name and password.

The user name identifies you to the file server so that it can 'serve' you the correct files. The password ensures that the user name really does belong to you.

Challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you

Click on this link: a typical company LAN