The IT Law Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
The IT Law Wiki
Register
in: Telecommunications, Hardware, Software, Definition

Local area network

Sign in to edit

Definitions[]

A local area network (LAN) is

“ an Internet Protocol (IP) network, composed of routers and LAN switches, that is used to connect nodes that are geographically close, usually within the same building.[1] ”
“ a computer network which connects computers within a relatively small geographic area. The most common form of LANs are Ethernet and token ring. Many LANs have a central server and one or more printers. ”
“ [a] group of computers and other devices dispersed over a relatively limited area and connected by a communications link that enables any device to interact with any other on the network.[2] ”
“ [a] data communication system that:
(a) Allows an arbitrary number of independent "data devices" to communicate directly with each other; and
(b) Is confined to a geographical area of moderate size (e.g., office building, plant, campus, warehouse).[3]
 ”

Overview[]

"Typically, a LAN is owned, operated, and managed locally rather than by a common carrier. A LAN usually, through a common network operating system, connects servers, workstations, printers, and mass storage devices, enabling users to share the resources and functionality provided by a LAN."[4]

References[]

  1. ↑ Unified Capabilities, Framework 2013, App. C, at C-10 (full-text).
  2. ↑ NIST Special Publication 800-82, at B-5.
  3. ↑ U.S. Export Administration Regulations, Part 772 (15 C.F.R. §772.1).
  4. ↑ FIPS 191, at 6.

See also[]

Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.