What is LAN?

LAN stands for local area network. A LAN is a group of devices, such as laptops and mobiles, within the same physical location and are connected together with a centralised internet connection. It works in a small geographical area like a home or an office.  

Laptops, smartphones, printers, scanners, hard disks, servers, and other network devices can all be connected to the internet and to one another over a local area network. For instance, if a printer is only hooked up to a computer using a USB cable, only this PC will typically have access to the printer. However, by attaching the printer to the network, numerous devices in the vicinity can use it. 

LANs can connect to the internet via a router. They can use both Wi-Fi or Ethernet to work. Larger LANs spanning over a huge office may require multiple routers. They require additional hardware and software to work in such a huge space. This calls for the use of virtual LANs.  

Virtual LANs help to split traffic on one network to two different networks. Using virtual LANs make it easier for administrators to make the network. There are also WLANs (wireless LANs) which does the same job. Instead of cables and wires, they use radio signals to transmit data.