LAN (Local Area Network)

LAN usually connects the computers and other devices within one office or a building or
group of buildings.LAN is often used to share resources such as printer,hard disks and
programs.Each computer or device in the network is called a node.the nodes are usually
connected through wires.
A LAN that uses no physical wires is called wireless LAN.LANs are capable of transmitting
data at very fast rate.LAN transmission speed is typically 10 Mbps to 1000 Mbps.It is much
faster than transmission over a telephone line.LAN can transmit data in a limited distance.There
is also a limit on the number of computers that can be attached to the network.
Example
* In a computer lab,there are 40 computers connected through LAN. The students can share
software, files and data in a lab.
* In Internet club,many computers can be connected through LAN.These computers can share
single connection of the Internet.
Benefits/Advantages of LAN
some important advantages of LAN are as follows:

1.Resource Sharing
  The resource like printers,CD-ROM drivers,hard disks and software can be shared using
  LAN.This is cheaper than buying devices for each workstation in the networks.
2.Communication
  The users in LAN can easily communicate with each other.They can also transfer data easily
 and rapidly between different computers in the network.
3.Application Sharing
  The individual licensed copy of software can be costly.A lot of money can be saved by using
the same software over network instead of purchasing separate copy of the software for each workstation.The network versions of software applications are loaded on the server and
shared by different users in the LAN.
4.Centralized IT Admin
  LAN allows an easier and more efficient way to manage different computers from server.
IT administrator can remotely troubleshoot the problems on computers across the network
instead of doing it individually.
5.Centralized Data
The users can save their data centrally on the server in LAN.They can access the saved
data from any workstation on the network.They do not need to use the same workstation all
the time.
6.Internet Access Sharing
  LAN allows multiple users to share a single Internet connection.An organization can purchase
one high-speed connection and share it on different workstations in LAN.
7.Data Security and Management
LAN can manage important data in a better way.data can be centralized on shared servers
instead of storing it on different computers.Everyone can find the data easily. security can be
implemented easily.

Limitations/Disadvantages of LAN
1.Privacy Threat
LAN can be threat to user's privacy.The network administrator can access personal files of
users.He can also monitor  network and Internet activities of the user.
2.Expensive to Install
LAN generally saves money over time.however,it may require high initial costs of installation.
The cables,network cards and software are expensive.The installation may also require the
services of a technician.
3.Admin Time Required
The proper maintenance of LAN requires time and expertise.A network administrator may
be required to    manage network  properly.
4.Data Security Concerns
LAN can put critical data at risk if it is not secured properly.The unauthorized users may
access important data and can damage it.