A local area network (LAN) is a computer
network that interconnects computers in a limited area such as a home, school,
computer laboratory, or office building using network media. The defining
characteristics of LANs, in contrast to wide area networks (WANs), include
their usually higher data-transfer rates, smaller geographic area, and lack of
a need for leased telecommunication lines.
ARCNET, Token Ring and other technology standards
have been used in the past, but Ethernet over twisted pair cabling, and Wi-Fi
are the two most common technologies currently used to build LANs.
Early LAN cabling had been based on various grades
of coaxial cable. Shielded twisted pair was used in IBM's Token Ring LAN
implementation. In 1984, StarLAN showed the potential of simple unshielded twisted
pair by using Cat3 cable—the same simple cable used for telephone systems. This
led to the development of 10Base-T (and its successors) and structured cabling
which is still the basis of most commercial LANs today. In addition,
fiber-optic cabling is increasingly used in commercial applications.
As cabling is not always possible, wireless Wi-Fi
is now very common in residential premises - and elsewhere where support for
mobile laptops and smartphones is important.
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