LAN Full Form - Local area network

A Local area network (LAN) is a network that is used to link devices in a single office, building, or campus of up to a short distance. LAN is restricted in size. In LAN networks internet speed is from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps (But now much higher speeds can be achieved). The most common topologies used in LAN networks are bus, ring, and star.

Imagine your home Wi-Fi network. All the devices connected to it, like your computer, phone, or smart TV, form a LAN. They can share files, printers, and internet access, making it easy to work and play together.

LANs are convenient because they allow devices to communicate quickly and efficiently, without needing to go through the internet. It's like having your own private neighborhood of connected gadgets.

What is a Local Area Network?

The full form of LAN is Local-area Network. It is a computer network that covers a small area such as a building or campus up to a few kilometers in size. LANs are commonly used to connect personal computers and workstations in company offices to share common resources, like printers, and exchange information. If we connect LAN in a real-life example then the family is the best example each family member is connected to each other in the same way each device is connected to the network. Several experimental and early commercial LAN technologies were developed in the 1970s. Cambridge Ring is a type of LAN that was developed at Cambridge University in 1974.

How do LANs Work?

A router serves as the hub where the majority of LANs connect to the Internet. Home LANs often utilise a single router, but bigger LANs may also use network switches to transmit packets more effectively.

LANs nearly always connect devices to the network via Ethernet, WiFi, or both of these technologies. Ethernet is a way to connect devices to the Local Area Network ethernet define the physical and data link layer of the OSI model. WiFi is a protocol that is used to connect devices to the Local Area Network wirelessely.

There are many devices that is connected to the LAN for example Servers, desktop computers, laptops, printers, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and even game consoles. LANs are usually used in offices to give internal staff members shared access to servers or printers that are linked to the network.

Types of LAN

There are different architectures in LAN as discussed below-

• Client/Server LANs: Multiple devices (the clients) are connected to a main server in a client/server LAN. The server controls network traffic, device access, application access, and file storage. Any connected device that runs apps or accesses the Internet qualifies as a client. Clients can use wired or wireless connections to connect to the server.
• Peer-to-Peer LANs: Peer-to-peer LANs are commonly smaller because they shortage a central server and can't support huge workloads like client/server LANs can. Every device on a peer-to-peer LAN collaborates equally to the network's operation. Through wired or wireless connections to a switch or router, the devices share data and resources. Peer-to-peer networks are the norm in homes.
• Ethernet: It is most widely used architecture. ethernet specifies the network speed, cable type and network interface adapters. This type of architecture used in both wired or wireless networks.
• Token ring: Token ring is a type of local area network (LAN) setup that was once widely used but is now less common. It manages network access through the use of tokens and has an operating speed of 100 megabits per second.
• Cloud-managed: A cloud-managed LAN depend on a centralized cloud service to handle tasks such as access control, policy enforcement, network setup, and various security and performance issues. This approach simplifies management in diverse network environments, making it ideal for businesses.

What is a Virtual LAN?

The same physical network can have its traffic divided into two networks using virtual LANs, or VLANs. Imagine establishing two independent LANs in the same room, each with its own router and Internet connection. Similar to that, but with only one router and one Internet connection required, VLANs divide networks virtually rather than physically.

VLANs are beneficial for network management, particularly in very large LANs. Administrators may much more simply control the network by segmenting it. (Subnets, another method of segmenting networks for increased efficiency, differ greatly from VLANs.)

Differences Between Wired LAN, Wireless LAN and Virtual LAN

Wired LAN

A wired LAN connects devices like, servers, IoT devices, and other electronic devices to a company network using switches and Ethernet cables. For small organization, or businesses with a limited number of devices, a wired LAN might just consist of a single, unmanaged switch with Ethernet ports to connect all the devices.

Wireless LAN

A wireless LAN allows devices to connect to the network without physical cables. Wireless LAN or WLANs transfer data over radio waves using wireless technology. This type of LAN is commonly found in homes, offices, coffee shops, and restaurants where mobility is important. WLANs enable devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets to connect to the internet or other shared resources. For example connecting mobile to the hotspot is a wireless LAN.

Wireless LANs use the IEEE 802.11 standards to transmit data between devices and the network through the wireless system. In many cases, WLANs are preferred over wired LANs due to their flexibility and cost efficiency, as they eliminate the need for extensive cabling. Businesses considering WLANs as their main form of connectivity often have users who primarily depend on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.

Virtual LAN

In larger LANs that connect thousands of devices, more hardware, software, and configuration are needed to maintain optimal network performance. This is where virtual LANs (VLANs) become useful.

What Equipment is Needed to Set up a LAN?

For setting up a Local Area Network (LAN) requires many type of hardware and, depending on the complexity of the network, some additional components for enhanced functionality and performance. Here's a list of the essential equipment needed to set up a basic LAN-

• Router:- This is the central device that is used to connect the LAN to the internet.
• Modem:- This it required only if connecting to the internet. Modem convert the signals from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to a router usable.
• Switch (optional for larger networks):- Used to expands the number of devices that can be connected to the LAN.
• Ethernet Cables:- It is used to connect devices to the router or switch.
• Network Interface Cards (NICs):- It is required for each devices that is connect to the LAN through Ethernet.
• Wireless Access Point (if wireless connectivity is needed):- Allows wireless devices to connect to the LAN.
• Devices:- Device you want to connect like Laptop, Computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and other devices.

How do LANs Relate to the Rest of the Internet?

The Internet is like a huge web made up of smaller webs. Imagine each small web as a LAN, which is a bunch of devices connected together, like in a school or an office. These LANs connect to bigger networks called autonomous systems (AS), which are like super highways for data.

An AS is a massive network with its own rules for sending data and managing certain addresses. Think of it like a big city full of streets and highways.

When you're on the Internet, it's like your LAN is a tiny street in a big city, which is part of an even larger network. And just like people in different cities can chat by traveling through roads and highways, computers on different LANs can talk to each other by sending data across these big networks.

So, the Internet is like a big family of networks, with LANs connecting to bigger networks, all working together to let us share information and connect with people all over the world.

LAN Security

LANs face several security risks that can endanger the safety of data and network operations:

• Insider Threats: Employees with access to sensitive information may accidentally compromise LAN security. For instance, falling victim to phishing scams could allow unauthorized devices onto the network.
• Vulnerable LAN Sockets: LAN outlets in public areas like hallways or reception areas can pose risks if left unattended. Visitors or outsiders might connect to these outlets and gain access to the internal network.
• Viruses and Malware: These malicious programs can cause data loss, disrupt computer operations, and spread to other connected devices. They often enter LANs through removable media or email attachments.
• Open Ports: The router connecting a LAN to the internet has open ports that cybercriminals could exploit to infiltrate the network. Changing router admin credentials regularly helps mitigate this risk.
• Rogue Access Points (APs): Unauthorized APs or ad hoc networks created by users without proper security measures can allow attackers to intercept network traffic.

Protecting a LAN involves addressing these risks through proactive measures like educating employees about cybersecurity, securing LAN outlets, using antivirus software, managing router settings, and monitoring network activity for unauthorized access points.

5 popular LAN Topologies

Network topologies describe how devices in a LAN are connected and how data moves between them. Popular types of topologies include:

• Star Topology: All devices connect to a central hub or switch. Data flows through the hub, which directs it to the appropriate device. If one device fails, it doesn't affect others.
• Ring Topology: Devices form a closed loop where data travels in one direction. Each device acts as a repeater to strengthen the signal. Data passes through each device until it reaches the destination.
• Mesh Topology: Devices are interconnected with multiple paths between them. If one path fails, data can take an alternative route. This redundancy enhances reliability but requires more cabling and configuration.
• Bus Topology: Devices are connected in a line along a single cable. Data travels along the cable, and each device receives all transmissions, but only the intended recipient processes the data.
• Tree Topology: Tree topology is a network setup where devices are arranged in a hierarchy, similar to branches of a tree.

What are the Benefits of a LAN?

• Privacy: LAN is a private network, thus no outside regulatory body controls it, giving it a privacy.
• High Speed: LAN offers a much higher speed(around 100 mbps) and data transfer rate comparatively to WAN.
• Supports different transmission mediums: LAN support a variety of communications transmission medium such as an Ethernet cable (thin cable, thick cable, and twisted pair), fiber and wireless transmission.
• Inexpensive and Simple: A LAN usually has low cost, installation, expansion and maintenance and LAN installation is relatively easy to use, good scalability.

What are the Drawback of LAN?

• The initial setup costs of installing Local Area Networks is high because there is special software required to make a server.
• Communication devices like an ethernet cable, switches, hubs, routers, cables are costly.
• LAN administrator can see and check personal data files as well as Internet history of each and every LAN user. Hence, the privacy of the users are violated
• LANs are restricted in size and cover only a limited area
• Since all the data is stored in a single server computer, if it can be accessed by an unauthorized user, can cause a serious data security threat.