Local Area Network (LAN)

A LAN is a system of interconnected microcomputers, sharing common resources like
disks, printers etc., and links a number of computers workstations) together to allow many
people to use the same software and data files. Each user in such a multi-user environment
accesses the resources through his microcomputer workstation. The network operating system
integrates all the network components and makes operation smooth and transparent. LAN works
in restricted geographical area such as within a large building or offices within a few kilometers.
The LAN is an interconnection of computers that need to communicate with each other in a
limited geographical area. The network may have other sharable devices attached such as fax,
laser printers and copiers. The network includes a central facility with huge storage capacity for
the requirements of the organization. It also has a network operating system for managing the
network.

Types of LAN:

Local area networks are mainly of two types: Client/ Server LAN and Peer-to-Peer LAN.
a) Client / Server LAN
Client Server LAN has servers and clients. The server is a computer that manages shared
resources: hardware as well as software and data. It is usually a powerful computer with large
RAM and secondary storage capacity. The LAN has a number of microcomputers, called
clients, the request the server for services. The LAN may have many servers each specializing in
one area of service such as file server, printer server, database server etc. A file server stores
program and data files. A database server stores data and a printer server controls printers on the
local area network.
b) Peer-to-Peer LAN:
In a Peer-to-Peer LAN every computer is equal in status and functioning. All the
computers on the network are capable of communicating independently with any other computer
on the network without using a server. Thus, any computer on the network can access data and
programs stored on any other computer. The peer-to-peer LAN is less expensive than
client/server LAN. But at the same time this LAN may be slower than a client/server LAN.