local area network
Building-scale computer connections
A local area network is a system of interconnected computers and devices within a limited physical space—an office, building, or home.
Often abbreviated LAN, it enables file sharing, printer access, and communication between connected machines.
The office LAN went down for an hour.
Contrast with wide area network (WAN), which spans larger distances.
Packet-forwarding network device
- switchCircuit-breaking toggle device
- hubCentral connection point
- cableHeavy-duty woven line
- Cat6High-speed ethernet specification
twisted pair · fiber optic · rack · backbone · cabling · wall plate · patch cord · conduit
Hardware for network connectivity
- switchCircuit-breaking toggle device
- routerPacket-forwarding network device
- hubCentral connection point
- repeaterSignal-extending transmitter
bridge · access point · server · workstation · print server
Wired networking standard
- TCP/IPInternet's core protocol suite
- MAC addressUnique network adapter identifier
- IP addressDevice's unique network number
- subnetNetwork address range subdivision
broadcast · frame · packet · DHCP · ARP · VLAN · gateway · datagram
Area of control
- Active DirectoryWindows domain management service
- file serverComputer storing shared data
- workgroupTeam sharing a project
- shared driveCommon storage location online
print queue · user permissions · backup server · IT support · help desk
Luminous astronomical object
- busLarge passenger vehicle
- ringClosed curve shape
- meshInterlocking open weave
- nodeConnection point in networks
segment · daisy chain · backbone · tree · hybrid · point-to-point · central hub · hierarchical
Wireless network standard
- access pointNetwork entry node
- SSIDWireless network identifier
- WPANetwork authentication standard
- signal strengthTransmission power measurement
wireless adapter · hotspot · dual band · channel · interference · wireless security · WLAN
router
Packet-forwarding network device
Cat6 · twisted pair · fiber optic · rack · backbone · cabling · wall plate · patch cord · conduit · riser
NIC
Hardware for network connectivity
- switchCircuit-breaking toggle device
- routerPacket-forwarding network device
- hubCentral connection point
repeater · bridge · access point · server · workstation · print server
ethernet
Wired networking standard
- TCP/IPInternet's core protocol suite
- MAC addressUnique network adapter identifier
- IP addressDevice's unique network number
subnet · broadcast · frame · packet · DHCP · ARP · VLAN · gateway · datagram · gigabit
domain
Area of control
- Active DirectoryWindows domain management service
- file serverComputer storing shared data
- workgroupTeam sharing a project
shared drive · print queue · user permissions · backup server · IT support · help desk
star
Luminous astronomical object
node · segment · daisy chain · backbone · tree · hybrid · point-to-point · central hub · hierarchical
Wi-Fi
Wireless network standard
- access pointNetwork entry node
- SSIDWireless network identifier
- WPANetwork authentication standard
signal strength · wireless adapter · hotspot · dual band · channel · interference · wireless security · WLAN
local area networkwide area network
Geographically dispersed computer linkage
WAN · global network · MAN · cloud network
local area networkpublic network
local, area, network, locale, locally, locality, localize, localized, localization