Local Area Networks

The demand for computers in university communities and research labs in the late 1960s led to the interconnections of computers forming computer networks. A computer network connects autonomous computers and processing devices to allow communication and information sharing. There are several types of computer networks, characterized by their size and purpose. Based on size or geographical extent, there are personal area networks, local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks, and wide area networks. Based on their purpose, there are storage area networks, enterprise private networks, and virtual private networks. This entry presents different types of LANs, their cabling, and their applications.

A LAN consists of two or more computers connected within a limited area, such as a home, laboratory, university campus, or office building. Most LANs ...