A LAN network is developed in a small physical space.
A structure that has a characteristic pattern is known as a network , which allows its various components to be linked. From this meaning, we can talk about different types of networks.
A computer network is one that is made up of computers, peripherals and other devices that are interconnected so that they can share their resources. According to the mode of interconnection, the relationship between the elements and other issues, computer networks can be classified in different ways.
What is a LAN network
Among computer networks is the so-called LAN network , an acronym that refers to Local Area Network . These networks link computers that are in a small physical space, such as an office or building. The interconnection is done through a cable or waves.
Computers that are connected to a LAN are known as nodes : each node, therefore, is a computer. Thanks to the network, users of these computers can share documents and even make common use of certain peripherals, such as a printer .
LAN networks are common in offices.
Advantages of its creation
The advantages of installing a LAN network in a company or even a home are numerous. By sharing a printer, for example, it is not necessary for each user to have their own device, which saves a lot of money. On the other hand, the ease of accessing documents hosted on any node on the LAN network is very useful when working together.
With exceptions, the speed of data transmission within a LAN network is much higher than that achieved through the Internet , since the devices that link computers or other devices together within a building usually exceed it several times; For example, it is normal to use a router capable of reaching 300 Mb/s download speed (Megabits per second, which is equivalent to 37.5 Megabytes per second), even to take advantage of services that do not exceed 12 Mb/s .
In a case like this, although while each node could download data at a maximum of 12 Mb/s from the Internet, if a user wanted to access files that were on the local area network, they could obtain them at a theoretical peak of 300 Mb /s, a speed 25 times faster. As if this benefit were not enough, while using the local connection no Internet service traffic is used, which can be useful in the case of limited plans or when the volume of data to be transferred is too large.
The LAN and video games
The history of video games reserves a very special space for the LAN network, since it was thanks to this possibility of connecting equipment that the doors were opened to a new way of experiencing fun . At first, it broke the limit of players who could compete or collaborate in the same game, which at the time was linked to the capabilities of each console or computer and the creativity of the developers; but over time it served as an experimental phase for the network of networks , the Internet.
Although the LAN may seem reserved for the business environment, many players continue to enjoy its possibilities to have fun with friends or even to compete in the most important tournaments in the world, where Internet instability would be fatal . As in other aspects of computing and electronics, experts take many factors into account when building, optimizing and maintaining their local networks, from the makes and models of components to the most remote details of software configuration, to make sure you don't waste even a single fraction of a second.