Overview
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a private network that connects computers and devices in a small physical area. LANs are characterized by high data transfer speeds and low latency compared to Wide Area Networks (WANs).
Key Characteristics
- Geographic Scope: Limited to a single building or campus.
- Ownership: Usually owned and managed by a single organization or individual.
- Technology: Commonly uses Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Common Uses
- Sharing files and folders between office computers.
- Connecting multiple devices to a single internet connection in a home.
- Networked gaming in a local environment.