Local aria network
LAN
A conceptual diagram of a local area network.
A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area such as a residence, school, laboratory, university campus or office building.[1] By contrast, a wide area network(WAN) not only covers a larger geographic distance, but also generally involves leased telecommunication circuits.
Ethernet and Wi-Fi are the two most common technologies in use for local area networks. Historical technologies include ARCNET,Token ring, and AppleTalk.
History
Cabling
Early LAN cabling had generally been based on various grades of coaxial cable. Shieldedtwisted pair was used in IBM's Token RingLAN implementation, but in 1984, StarLANshowed the potential of simple unshieldedtwisted pair by using Cat3 cable—the same simple cable used for telephone systems. This led to the development of 10BASE-T (andits successors) and structured cabling which is still the basis of most commercial LANs today.
While fiber-optic cabling is common for links between switches, use of fiber to the desktopis rare.[13]
Wireless media
Many LANs use wireless technologies that are built into Smartphones, tablet computers andlaptops. In a wireless local area network, users may move unrestricted in the coverage area. Wireless networks have become popular in residences and small businesses, because of their ease of installation. Guests are often offered Internet access via a hotspot service.
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