Local Area Network (LAN) is a type of network system like WAN where two or more two Electronic devices (computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones) are connected virtually or physically within a limited area for transferring data with each other. Here, a small area may be a room of a house or an office building or a computer laboratory of a school and so on. Moreover, the networking area can be enlarged depending upon how much you need to exceed it. Using Ethernet is the most common for LAN networking and we have different categories of Ethernet also. Therefore, the speed and area of this network can be specified based on Ethernet cable. For example, if anyone wants to cover 100meter, then you can select Cat-5 Ethernet.
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Types of LAN Network
The LAN network can be divided into two types generally. They are client-server LANs and peer-to-peer LANs. Though all the systems have advantages and disadvantages, both systems may be used for document sharing, database accessing, and other applications that a network system should have.
1. Client-Server LAN
In this type of LAN network, several clients are connected to a central server. Here, the device which manages file storage, application software access, device access, and shares resources with the clients is called a server. In addition to this, the server can be situated anywhere on the network and can accept the request from clients and then responds to them. In client computers, there is an interface for users to send requests to the server to get any services and to display the results from the server. Moreover, clients are connected with the server using the internet or router when the system is wireless and again when the system is wired, then clients are connected by a switch or a hub or the Ethernet. For example:
In this network, a hub is used as a connecting media between the server and clients.
This is another example of a client-server LAN network and here an Ethernet is used to connect all the devices existing in this network.
2. Peer-to-Peer LAN
The LAN network which doesn’t have any central server is normally called a peer-to-peer network. All the computers are connected directly with each other for sharing documents. So, improving network security here is very complex because each computer plays a vital role in the network system. So they all act as a client or a server. Even in this network, a client can search for files on other people’s computers, not on his PC. One advantage of using this network is that, in modern desktop operating systems like Windows and Mac os, a software system is included to use this network. But, this system’s main demerit is that it cannot handle a large workload like a client-server network. This network is mostly used in small offices and for household activities.
In this network, there is no central server and all the computers are connected using a single hub.
This is another example of a peer-to-peer network. Here all clients are connected with themselves by cables.
Advantages of LAN
1. Resource Sharing: As all the electronic devices are connected with a single network.
So, all the existing computers in that network can use the same resources. Here, resources may be a DVD drive, a printer, a scanner, a modem, and so on. As a result, the cost of purchasing separate resources is decreased in this network system.
2. Software program Sharing: It is too expensive to buy a license of the software for every computer in a network system. But in a LAN network, all the computers can use a single licensed software by sharing. So, this network provides an opportunity for their clients to use expensive software at a lower cost.
3. Backup Facilities: In this network, all the data from the attached computers are stored centrally in one server. Again, somehow any data is deleted from any computer, or storage device, it can be easily restored or backed up from the central server. For this reason, it is not obvious for authorized users to use a specific computer to do his/her job.
4. Data security: As the whole data of this system is stored in the server computer, it is so secure to manage. And only authorized users have access to use these data. So, anyone from outside the network can’t make a disturbance to this network system. In addition to this, if you want to make a change in this data or permanently delete any data or program, it is easy to do this using the main server.
5. Communication: In a LAN network, all the computers can exchange data and messages with each other easily and fast. As, they have a function to link all the computers together with one main server and give access to provide anything like data, message, and any information for other users. So, this system is time-saving and comfortable for communication among users.
Disadvantages of LAN network
1. Limited Area: As LANs are not configured for long distances, LAN covers a small area like a single office, a single building. So, outside of this small area if you feel the importance to communicate with this network it can’t be possible. Though you have access to use that network. For this, MAN, or WAN are generally used.
2. Cost: In a LAN network, the initial setup cost is too higher. As installing this network, some special software needs to be installed to make a server. And for communication purposes, some devices like routers, hubs, switches, Ethernet cables have to be used.
3. Privacy: The LAN authority can check all the activities of the LAN users and it is a violation of privacy. So, users have to be concerned about using their pc on this network.
4. Security: If the security key is not strong enough, sometimes hackers can hack the server and different types of cybercrimes like Ransomware attacks, DOS and DDoS attacks, Phishing Emails, etc can occur. Again if whoever maintains the server has not enough technical knowledge to set up the server correctly, unauthorized users can access the data also. So, privacy policy rules must be strong to confirm security.
5. Traffic: In this network, the more the traffic increases, the less the speed of data transmission, and as a result performance of that network will be degraded.
Conclusion
So here you get the A to Z information regarding the LAN network. To know about this network is quite important nowadays because we can not think a single day without this network in our home or office or any area. Hoping you have enjoyed reading this article and satisfied with it.
Thanks a lot and of course, break a leg!
