Devices working together help greatly streamline your workflow. That’s why devices in a computer network must communicate with each other, making information sharing a breeze. In this article, we’ll look at the Local Area Network’s role in this seamless collaboration and how it creates a digital ecosystem for productivity.
What is LAN (Local Area Network)?
A Local Area Network, or simply LAN, is a computer network that connects a group of devices in a physical location. This type of connection is typically confined within a single geographic area, from small places like houses to larger establishments such as schools or offices.
What are the components of a LAN?
For devices within a LAN to work seamlessly, they rely on a network of interconnected hardware and software that facilitates communication and data flow. These components include the following:
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Network devices:
A LAN consists of network devices that manage how data is transmitted within the ecosystem. These network devices may include the following:
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Routers
From the name itself, routers act as guides for data traffic. They direct data transmission within a LAN and connect it to other networks.
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Switches
Switches, on the other hand, connect devices within the Local Area Network, directing data to the device to which it’s supposed to be delivered.
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Access points
For wireless Local Area Networks to work, they need an access point to enable devices to communicate without the help of cables.
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Network Interface Cards (NICs)
These cards are installed on each device within the LAN to allow seamless connection to the physical network, whether wired or wireless.
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Cables:
For wired LANs, cables are needed to physically connect the devices and enable them to communicate with each other. Ethernet cables are the most common type of cables used for wired LANS.
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Network Operating System (NOS):
The network operating system (NOS) manages resources, security, and user access for more complex LANs. It caters to larger network systems typically utilized in organizations and big companies.
How does a LAN work?
Here’s the breakdown of how a Local Area Network operates:
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Connectivity:
Devices within a Local Area Network connect either wired or wirelessly.
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Wired
As mentioned, devices in a wired LAN are interconnected with cables, typically an Ethernet cable. However, there are other types of cables that offer varying speeds and capabilities.
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Wireless
Devices within a Local Area Network can also communicate with each other wirelessly through radio waves. This provides connectivity that isn’t restrictive in terms of mobility. However, signal interferences and physical obstacles may affect the efficiency of wireless LANs.
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Data packaging:
Data packaging refers to breaking information down into smaller pieces called data packets. Each packet includes the data and the address information of the devices where it is supposed to be received.
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Network Device Routing:
The data packets then travel through cables (wired LANs) or radio waves (wireless LANs) until they reach a network device such as a switch or a router.
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Switch
A switch is a network device that analyzes packets’ destination addresses and directs them to the intended recipient devices within the Local Area Network.
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Router
The router takes over if the destination address is outside the LAN (e.g., internet). It examines the address and routes the packet to the appropriate internet connection.
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Communication and Sharing:
Once the data packets reach their intended device destinations, they are reconstructed into their original forms. This includes utilizing shared resources like printers and scanners eliminating the need for individual equipment on each device. Additionally, LANs facilitate the transfer of files between devices on the network.
LAN vs. WLAN
Although the terms LAN and WLAN are related, they differ in terms of connection methods and purpose:
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LAN
A Local Area Network (LAN) is the overarching term for a network of interconnected devices.
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WLAN
Meanwhile, a WLAN or Wireless Local Area Network is a type of LAN that enables devices to communicate wirelessly within a confined single location.
Following this logic, all WLANs are LANs. However, not all LANs are WLANs. LANs encompass wired and wireless options, with WLAN being the wireless variation.
Conclusion
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a pertinent way for devices to communicate with each other, typically in a limited space. Software and hardware facilitate this communication, enabling efficient resource sharing and streamlined workflow. LANs make it easier for devices to connect and foster productive collaboration within a network.
