What Is LAN?

LAN stands for local area network. A LAN is a group of computers and devices that are in a specific location. The devices connect to the LAN with an Ethernet cable or through Wi-Fi. Your home may have a LAN. If your PC, tablet, smart TV, and wireless printer connect through your Wi-Fi, these connected devices are part of your LAN. Only devices that you authorize have access to your LAN.

A Brief History of LAN

LANs were first used by colleges and universities in the 1960s. These computer networks were used to catalog library collections, schedule classes, record student grades, and share equipment resources.

LANs didn’t become popular with business organizations until after Xerox PARC developed Ethernet in 1976. Chase Manhattan Bank in New York was the first commercial use of this new technology. By the early 1980s, many businesses had an internet network (intranet) consisting of hundreds of computers that shared printers and file storage at a single site.

After the release of Ethernet, companies such as Novell and Microsoft developed software products to manage these Ethernet LAN networks. Over time, these networking tools became a part of popular computer operating systems. Microsoft Windows 10 has tools to set up a home network.

Characteristics of a LAN

LANs come in many sizes. A group of devices connected through a home internet connection is a LAN. Small businesses have LANs that connect a dozen or a hundred computers with printers and file storage. The largest LANs are controlled by a server that stores files, shares data between devices, and directs files to printers and scanners.

A LAN differs from other types of computer networks (like the internet) in that the devices connected to the LAN are in the same building such as a home, school, or office. These computers, printers, scanners, and other devices connect to a router with an Ethernet cable or through a wireless router and a Wi-Fi access point. Multiple LANs can be connected over a telephone line or radio wave.