LAN

Local Area Network

A computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area such as a residence, school, laboratory, office building, or closely positioned group of buildings. Higher communication and data transfer rates and the lack of a need for leased communication lines characterize LANs.

LANs typically use wired connections with Ethernet cables to achieve high-speed data transfer between the connected devices. However, they can also operate over Wi-Fi or other wireless network technologies. The defining characteristics of LANs, in contrast to wide area networks (WANs), include their smaller geographic range and non-reliance on leased lines to connect nodes in the network.

• Abbreviation: LAN