Local Area Networks (LAN):

Fig.1:LAN Structure

     

     Figure that shown above is the basic of LAN configuration.This type of network is best suited in small well-defined area such as office building, college or a room. A LAN can be made up of only microcomputers or any combination of microcomputer and large system. Usually, cables connect the LAN by linking the network cards that reside within each computer or printer on the network.

Characteristics of LAN:

1. LAN consists of two or more than two computers.
2. It can extends over the diameter more than a few kilometers.
3. Peripherals such as MODEM,HDD,etc are needed.
4. Co-axial or fiber optic cables are usually used to connect the computers and other s devices
5. A plug in board to handle the data transmissions.

Features of LAN:

1. LAN has a total data rate of at least several Mbps.
2. Complete ownership by a single organization.
3. The connections between the workstations are usually distances of a few hundred feet, up to several thousand feet.
4. The LAN transmits data between user stations and computers (LANS are also capable of transmitting voice and video images as well.
5. The LAN transmission capacity is usually greater than that of a WAN (Wide Area Network), Traditional LAN speeds are 10Mbps to 100Mbps. Modern LAN cables are capable of much higher data transfer per second.
6. LAN is typically privately owned by the organization using the facility.

Capabilities of LAN:

• Perform file-management tasks.

1. Transfer of files
2. Sharing of applications
3. Share files

• Share peripheral devices

1. Printers
2. CD-ROMS
3. Fax-Modems
4. Tape-Drivers
5. Scanners

• Interact with other user on the network

1. Schedule group-meetings
2. Send and receive mails
3. Hold electronic meetings
4. Play network games

LAN topologies:

Topology refers to the structure of connecting the computers and peripherals inside the network.There are several popular network topology on LAN that are listed with figures below:

• Bus topology
• Ring topology
• Star topology
• Mesh topology
• Tree topology

Fig.2:LAN topologies

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