Local Area Networks (LAN)

A LAN covers a limited area. This distinction, however, is changing as the scope of LAN coverage becomes increasingly broad. A typical LAN connects as many as hundred or so microcomputers that are located in a relatively small area, such as a building or several adjacent buildings. Organizations have been attracted to LANs because they enable multiple users to share software, data, and devices. Unlike WAN which use point-to-point links between systems, LANs use a shared physical media which is routed in the whole campus to connect various systems. LANs use high-speed media (1 Mbps to 30 Mbps or more) and are mostly privately owned and operated.