LAN

The Local Area Network allows you to share resources such as devices, data, and media across it; the data transfer speed is fast in LAN. You may set up a ‘Homegroup’ using Windows PCs.Whether you’re connecting your devices to the LAN through Wi-Fi or ethernet cable, the moment has come to connect everything. To connect through Wi-fi, switch on your device’s Wi-fi and choose your home network from the list. Connecting through an ethernet cable is easier; simply put one end into your network switch or router and the other onto your devices. Other PCs, laptops, cellphones, tablets, TV set-top boxes, game consoles, streaming sticks, and so on are examples of these devices.

What is required to set up a LAN? 

Several hardware components are necessary to connect a computer or device to a local area network (LAN):

• A network interface card (NIC), either wired or wireless, is required for LAN.
• School networks, laboratory networks, and university campus networks.
• Two computers are networked together.
• Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) (When we consider wireless LAN).
• Transfer of data is fast in LAN. 

What are the hardware components of a LAN?

• Examples include cabling and connectors, such as coaxial cable and BNC connectors, Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP), and RJ-45 connections.
• Network Interface Card (NIC)
• PCs/workstations and servers.
• Hubs, concentrators, and more complex network devices, including Bridges, LAN Switches, and Routers

Characteristics of LAN

• Local Area Network is a private network; an outside regulatory authority never governs it.
• Token rings and ethernet are two examples of media access control technologies.
• When compared to other WAN technologies, LAN works at a higher speed.

Why is LAN needed? 

It can monitor all users on a LAN via a central server. It also allows administrators to adjust all settings for all user computers from the server rather than changing settings on each client. It is really simple to manage and oversee your staff.

Advantages of LAN : 

• It is simple to set up security procedures on a LAN to protect users from intruders or hackers.
• It is simple for numerous LAN users to share resources such as printers and internet connections.
• LAN users do not need to have their hard disk or CD-ROM drives. They can save their work in a centralised location on the network file server.

Drawbacks of LAN :

• Security is a huge issue since it is so simple to acquire access to other people’s software components.
• Additional security checks are recommended to prevent unauthorised access.

Uses of Ethernet or Token Ring technology

 Ethernet and token ring technology is the most extensively utilised technology in wired local area networks (LANs). In a local area network (LAN) network of computers and other electronic devices that span a limited area, such as a room, buildings, corporate workplaces, are used. In contrast, a wide area network (WAN) covers a huge geographical region. 

Ethernet is a physical network connection technology that involves using Ethernet or token ring technology. WiFi is a network connection technology that uses radio waves to connect to a network. Servers, desktop computers, laptops, printers, Internet of Things ( IoT) devices, and even gaming consoles may connect to LANs.

Why is the ethernet used?

Its widespread use is because Ethernet is simple to comprehend, build, and maintain, the transfer of data is fast with the use of ethernet or token ring technology, and it enables low-cost network deployment. Ethernet, specified by IEEE standards 802.3, is the most frequently used LAN technology. The Ethernet protocol is a common LAN technology. A local Area Network based on Ethernet may carry data at up to 10 Mbps.  Therefore there are various uses of Ethernet or Token Ring technology.

Furthermore, Ethernet allows for a wide range of topologies. Fast Ethernet cards represent high-speed LAN technology; with the fast transfer of data, its speeds are up to 100 Mbps.

Advantages of using Ethernet or token ring technology:

• An ethernet connection is more secure than WiFi, vulnerable to assaults.
• It provides Efficiency.

It is very useful to use ethernet or token rings in the setup of LAN.

Conclusion:

Local Area Networks (LANs) connect computers and allow shared access to printers, data, and other services. Peer-to-peer and client-server architectures are the two types of local area network architecture. The geographical coverage is limited, with only a somewhat autonomous local region inside the joint, such as a central building, receiving coverage. It employs a specially laid transmission medium for networking, resulting in a high data transfer rate (10Mbs – 10Gbs) and low communication latency. Ethernet or token ring technology is the major technology used for wired communication in LANs (Local Area Networks). Switches, access points, and routers are some of the network equipment we utilise on our LAN. While Ethernet or token ring is the main standard on our LAN, wireless devices utilise a different standard.