What is LAN?

Local Area Network (LAN) is a network designed to connect devices inside of a local office such as printers and desktops. A LAN can also be described as connected buildings that are connected and other building close by such as a college campus or high school. Some businesses have multiple buildings onsite such as Human Resources in on building and the public office in another. These close knit building develop a LAN because the buildings are only several feet away or only several miles away from each other (Senn p. 461).

Another example of a LAN network is a home network. This LAN is where you connect a few computers and a printer together. The smallest LAN is where you connect just two computers. A LAN is usually inexpensive and according to Mitchell,Most Local Area Networks are built with relatively inexpensive hardware such as Ethernet cables, network adapters, and hubs. Wireless LANs and other more advanced LAN hardware options also exist (Mitchell). “

There are several types of LANs and all require very little networking experience to design. One type of LAN is known as a LAN party. A LAN party is a multiplayer gaming event where participants bring their own computers and build a temporary LAN. How fun is that? Gamers coming  together and designing  a network. Please view the LAN video below and learn more about LAN's.

http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/lanvlanwan/g/bldef_lan.htm. LAN Local Area Network. Bradley Mitchell. About.com Guide.