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The full form of the word for which the acronym “LAN” stands is “Local Area Network”. A local area network, or LAN, is a network that connects computers and other electronic devices in the same building, campus, or campus-like setting. Local area network (LAN) is another term for this type of network. Users of computers and workstations within a building or organisation can now access the internet more quickly and efficiently and share resources more simply, thanks to the introduction of local area networks (LANs). A local area network’s (LAN) reach is usually limited to a single building or campus.
History of LAN
To set up a LAN, you needed specialised equipment that wasn’t readily available until the 1970s (LAN). Before that time, most individuals didn’t have access to technology like this.
The University of Cambridge was the birthplace of the Experimental Local Area Network in 1974. That’s where the incident occurred (also known as the Cambridge Ring).
Ethernet was initially introduced to the public at a demonstration held at Xerox PARC in the early 1970s. People from the general public attended the function. Things were like this throughout the entirety of that two-year window. The time frame of this narrative is between 1973 and 1974. Throughout that period, something significant happened.
Distinctive Features of a LAN
- The network is designed so that anyone can talk to any other computer.
- Extensive interconnection among numerous computers
- Connecting computers in a network can be done only.
- Using a low-cost media to send data
- high-speed information transfer
- It can operate independently of any external internetwork providers.
- In this case, the data is safe.
- It’s possible that the data can be sorted fast.
LAN's Many Benefits
- Buying multiple copies of the software using a LAN is unnecessary because everyone can use the same copy.
- Information is centralised in one place, the server computer, where it is easily accessible and protected from unauthorised access.
- It reduces hardware costs as a result. It enables computers to pool scarce and costly resources like scanners, printers, and other peripherals. Because of this, it helps bring down the overall price of hardware.
- As a bonus, LANs simplify sharing a single Internet connection across multiple computers.
- It makes it easier for linked computers to exchange information with one another. It is not too expensive to carry out communication activities here because data messages may be quickly transferred with the other workstations that have joined the network.
Disadvantages of Local Area Networks
- Generally speaking, the price of a LAN is not too high to justify its use. However, constructing a server necessitates the acquisition of specific pieces of software; this is one of the key contributors to the preliminary outlay of capital.
- Switches, hubs, ethernet cables, routers, and cables are all part of the communication infrastructure that could add to cost.
- Discretion invaded. LAN administrators can look into each user’s surfing history and personal data stored in their profiles.
- The area that a LAN can cover is restricted by size.
- Due to the data being held in one central area, there is a high risk of security breaches.
