local area network

local area network

1. apart from the computers , and other devices like printers and faxes, a lan has to have six essential componenets to function

   • network adapter. A computer needs a network adapter to connect to a network.
   • network medium. wired network need cable.
   • cable connecters
   • power supply
   • Hub/switch/Router
   • network software

2. what is a lan

   • A local area network [LAN] is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communication line or wireless link to a server.
   • Typically, a LAN encompasses computers and peripherals connected to a server within a distinct geographic area such as an office or a commercial establishment.

3. what are the types of LAN

   • personal area network [PAN]
   • local Area network [LAN]
   • wireless local Area [WLAN]
   • campus area network [CAN]
   • lan types
     • router
       • So that all of the devices can connect to a central point in a local area network. Most routers will have WiFi and Ethernet connections.
       • Most routers can connect you to a wide area network (such as the Internet) as it has a modem built in.
       • They allow you to share resources such as your internet connection, printers and files across different devices.
     • Switch
       • So that all of the devices can connect to a central point on a local area network.
       • Switches can connect to other switches and routers to build large local area networks (like a school).
     • Ethernet cable
       • So that you can connect your device to a router, switch or another computer. They allow high data transfer speeds across your local area network of up to 1000Mbps.
     • Network interface card
       • Any device which connects to a LAN or a WAN must have a network interface card! The card will connect your device to a switch, router or a wireless access point. In portable devices a network interface card will be wireless. Desktop PCs will normally have a network interface with an Ethernet port and an antenna to connect wirelessly.
     • Wireless access point (WiFi range extender)
       • This is commonly known as a WiFi range extender. They are used to connect portable devices to your local area network
       • Wireless access points are used to improve the signal in places where the router cannot reach. These are commonly seen in large buildings, coffee shops and public transport such as trains.
     • Server
       • A server is really just a powerful computer which controls the network!
       • For example, all of the computers in school connect to the server as this allows you to login to any computer. It can also backup your files and manage the security of the network. All of your files will be stored on the server
       • Websites and cloud storage is stored on a web server. Your computer connects to this using a wide area network.
     • Modem
       • A modem is used to connect you to a wide area network such as the Internet. Your router normally has this built in so that many devices can share the same internet connection.
     • Peripherals
       • These are any devices which connect to your computer system.
       • A peripheral such as a printer or a scanner can connect to a local area network if they have a network interface card
       • A peripheral such as a printer or a scanner can connect to a local area network if they have a network interface card.
       • Other peripherals such as speakers, a keyboard and a mouse may connect to your computer system’s WPAN using bluetooth.

4. ways to connect to a LAN

   • Ethernet
     • Advantages
       • disavantages
         • Ethernet cable has advantages such that high bandwidth, flexibility, low signal loss, light weight, reliable, easily data transmission, high speed etc. Disadvantages of Ethernet cable like distance limitations, only for short distance, difficult troubleshooting, fault intolerant etc.
       • Ethernet cable has more advantages but it has some disadvantage also. Ethernet cable has advantages such that high bandwidth, flexibility, low signal loss, light weight, reliable, easily data transmission, high speed etc.
   • wifi
     • advantages
       • WiFi technology allows various electronic devices like Laptops, Smartphones, Tablets, etc., to access Internet wirelessly. It is connected through an access point or hotspot, which is a physical device.
     • disavantages
       • Security. – To combat this consideration, wireless networks may choose to utilize some of the various encryption technologies available. ... Range. – The typical range of a common 802.11g network with standard equipment is on the order of tens of meters. ... Reliability. ... Speed.
     • wireless connection
       • advantages
         • Summary of The Advantages and Disadvantages. Users can access network from anywhere within range. Users location limited by need to use cable and/or connect to a port. Easier with wireless network as you do not need to be cabled to network, though transfer speeds may be slower
       • Disavantages
         • Significantly slower than a wired network (2 – 50 times slower, see below). 4. The network can be less stable. Wireless reception may be impaired by a number of factors including large distances or objects between wireless devices, and other wireless networks.

5. LAN local area network

   • devices connected togther over a small geograthical area.
   • enables devices to share data