A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and other devices within a limited geographical area such as a home, office, or campus. LANs allow these devices to share resources, such as files, applications, and printers, and provide access to the internet. The data transmission in LANs is typically high-speed and relatively low-cost due to the small distance between the devices.
Key Characteristics of LAN:
- Geographical Scope: A LAN typically covers a small geographic area, such as a building or a group of buildings (e.g., a campus).
- Ownership: It is usually privately owned and managed by a single organization or individual.
- High Data Transfer Rates: LANs typically support high data transfer rates, ranging from 10 Mbps to several Gbps.
- Low Latency: Due to the small size and direct connectivity, LANs offer low latency.
- Connectivity: Devices within a LAN are connected using Ethernet cables (wired LAN) or wireless technology (Wi-Fi for WLAN).
Types of LAN
Wired LAN (Ethernet LAN)
- Technology: Uses Ethernet cables (typically twisted pair cables like Cat5e, Cat6) to connect devices.
- Advantages:
- More stable and reliable connection.
- Less interference than wireless networks.
- Higher speeds and lower latency.
- Common Devices: Computers, printers, routers, switches, and other networked devices.
- Topology: Often uses a bus, star, or ring topology.
- Example: A traditional office network with Ethernet cables running between computers, printers, and switches.
Wireless LAN (WLAN)
- Technology: Uses radio waves to connect devices wirelessly via Wi-Fi standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax).
- Advantages:
- More flexibility in device placement since no cables are required.
- Easier to expand and set up.
- Common Devices: Laptops, smartphones, tablets, and any Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
- Topology: Typically uses a star topology, where wireless devices communicate through an access point (AP).
- Example: A home or coffee shop network where devices connect wirelessly to a Wi-Fi router.
LAN Architecture
LAN architecture refers to the design of a LAN network, including the devices, technology, protocols, and structure of communication between devices. LANs can be categorized based on the following architectures:
1. Client-Server Architecture
- Definition: A centralized model where specific devices (servers) provide services (like file storage, printing, or applications) to other devices (clients) within the network.
- How it Works:
- Server: Provides resources and services such as data storage, printing, or internet access.
- Client: A device that requests services or resources from the server.
- Advantages:
- Centralized control and management of resources.
- Better security because data access can be controlled and monitored centrally.
- Example: A company with a central file server that employees access for documents.
2. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Architecture
- Definition: A decentralized model where each device (peer) on the network can both request and provide resources without a centralized server.
- How it Works:
- Each computer on the network acts as both a client and a server, offering resources like files or printers to others.
- Advantages:
- Simple to set up and often more cost-effective.
- No need for dedicated servers or advanced management.
- Limitations:
- Difficult to scale efficiently with a large number of devices.
- Less control over security and data access.
- Example: A small office or home network where computers share files and printers without a central server.
Advantages of LAN
- Resource Sharing: Devices in a LAN can share resources like files, printers, and storage.
- Cost-Efficiency: By sharing resources, organizations can reduce costs associated with hardware and maintenance.
- Easy Communication: Enables quick communication between devices, such as email, messaging, or VoIP.
- Centralized Management: In client-server models, administrators can manage and secure the network from a central point.
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