LANs

Linked computer groups

LANs is the plural of LAN, a local area network—a system connecting computers and devices within a limited space like a home, office, or building.

LANs allow sharing of files, printers, and internet connections among nearby machines: The company maintains separate LANs for each department.

Most LANs now use WiFi alongside or instead of ethernet cables.

infrastructure

Ethernet

Wired network standard

  • switchCircuit-breaking toggle device
  • routerPacket-forwarding network device
  • hubCentral connection point

cabling · fiber-optic · coaxial · rack · backbone · uplink · port · NIC · repeater · bridge

topology

star

Luminous astronomical object

  • busLarge passenger vehicle
  • ringClosed curve shape
  • meshInterlocking open weave

daisy-chain · tree · hybrid · backbone · segment · node · subnet · VLAN

protocols

TCP/IP

Internet's core protocol suite

  • DHCPIP address distributor
  • DNSInternet naming protocol
  • SMBNetwork file sharing protocol

STP · IPv4 · IPv6 · gateway · addressing

traffic

packet

Small sealed container

  • frameSupporting outer structure
  • broadcastTransmitted media signal
  • unicastSingle-destination network transmission

multicast · collision · bandwidth · throughput · latency · jitter · congestion · ARP · switching · forwarding

workplace

intranet

Organization's internal web system

corporate · office · enterprise · permissions

gaming

multiplayer

Involving multiple participants

competitive · splitscreen · co-op · esports · fragging · deathmatch · Counter-Strike · Quake · StarCraft · headset

Opposites
network scope/geographic scale

LANsWANs

Geographically expansive networks

wide area networks · global networks · satellite networks

network accessibility/privacy

LANspublic infrastructure

Shared physical systems serving communities

Phrases
Family

LAN

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Rated G