Local Area Networks (LANs)

Overview

A local area network (LAN) is defined as a high-speed data communications system designed to link computers and other data processing devices together within a small geographic area such as a workgroup, department, or a single floor of a multi-story building. A LAN can be configured by using computers and peripherals (like a printer or scanner) which have a transceiver, formally known as a network interface card (NIC) installed. The NICs are connected to media like radio waves, or cables made of copper wire or strands of fiber. The computer or peripherals can be conneted in one of three topologies, bus, star, or mesh.

Devices

Although two computers and/or peripherals could be directly connected for data communications purposes using a null modem or a crossover cable in a peer-to-peer configuration. Generally speaking, most network attached devices are connected to a component categorized as a central concentrator known as a hub or a switch.

Hubs

Switches

Media

Protocols