Local Area Networks

Start with the basics

The flashcards in Understanding Basic Networking ask about LAN topologies and devices that share resources. They offer a starting point if you want to check what you already know. The other flashcard deck asks about network ownership, capacity and common topology types, including bus and star.

After the flashcards, use Networking Quiz to practice recognizing LAN terms. Its questions include what LAN stands for, dynamic IP addresses, MAC addresses and a topology with a hub in the middle.

Build a picture with mind maps

The MTA mind maps cover LAN components and topologies. One shows network adapters, central connecting devices and wired or wireless connections. Another includes star, bus and ring, along with terms such as Ethernet and CSMA. Data Network brings together LAN topology, protocol architecture, transmission medium and wiring layout.

Look through a map before taking a quiz, then return to the relevant branch when a question raises a term you want to study again. You can also use the maps to organize the ideas raised by the flashcards.

Move on to LAN extensions

The LAN extensions quiz asks about repeaters, bridges, switches and the benefits of a virtual local area network. Mind maps in the collection also cover devices such as hubs, bridges and switches, as well as backbone networks and virtual LANs. These resources give you different ways to study the terms used in the quiz.

Connect the ideas

This topic is part of a wider unit in Networks and telecommunications. The Data Network map connects LANs with ideas such as topologies, transmission media and wiring layouts, giving you a way to see how the terms on this page fit together. Choose a map and a quiz to study them side by side.