- A local area network (LAN) is a network of interconnected devices that are located within a limited geographic area, such as a home, office, or campus.
- The widespread adoption and continuous development of Ethernet has made it the most widely used LAN protocol.
A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that covers a small geographic area and usually consists of computers and other devices that are connected through network devices such as switches and routers. The widespread adoption and continuous development of Ethernet has made it the most widely used LAN protocol. Its standardisation, cost-effectiveness, scalability and performance ensure its dominance in the global network environment.
What is a local area network (LAN)
LAN is a network of interconnected devices that are located within a limited geographic area, such as a home, office, or campus. LANs enable these devices, such as computers, printers, and smartphones, to communicate and share resources with each other. LANs typically use Ethernet cables or wireless connections to facilitate communication among devices.
The main purpose of a LAN is to provide communication and data transfer among devices within the same network, allowing them to share resources, such as printers and files, and to exchange information and communicate with one another. LANs can be connected to other LANs to form a larger network, such as a wide area network (WAN). LANs can be wired or wireless, and they are typically used in private environments, such as businesses, schools, and homes.
Also read: Is Ethernet a network protocol? Exploring its capabilities and impact
Ethernet: The dominant LAN protocol
Ethernet is standardised under the IEEE 802.3 family of standards, which ensures interoperability between devices from different manufacturers. Ethernet hardware, such as switches, routers, and network interface cards (NICs), is widely available and relatively inexpensive compared to other networking technologies.
Ethernet networks can be scaled easily by adding more switches and devices, supporting a wide range of applications from small home networks to large enterprise environments.
Modern Ethernet standards offer high data transfer rates and low latency, meeting the performance needs of various applications, including streaming, gaming, and data-intensive tasks.
Ethernet’s simplicity in design and implementation has contributed to its widespread adoption. The basic concept involves connecting devices using cables and switches, with minimal configuration required for basic connectivity.
Also read: What are different types of common network protocols used for?
Key features of Ethernet
1. Frame-based communication: Ethernet uses frames to encapsulate data for transmission. Each frame contains a header with source and destination MAC addresses, which facilitates the delivery of data to the correct device.
2. CSMA/CD: In traditional Ethernet, CSMA/CD is used to manage access to the shared network medium. While modern Ethernet uses switches that avoid collisions, understanding CSMA/CD is fundamental to Ethernet’s development.
3. Full-Duplex and Half-Duplex modes: Ethernet supports both full-duplex (simultaneous send and receive) and half-duplex (send and receive at different times) communication modes. Full-duplex mode is standard in modern Ethernet networks.
Applications of Ethernet
1. Home networks: Ethernet is commonly used in home networking environments to connect computers, printers, and other devices to a router or switch, providing reliable and high-speed connectivity.
2. Enterprise networks: In business settings, Ethernet is used to create internal networks, connect servers, workstations, and other network devices. Ethernet switches are used to manage network traffic and ensure efficient data delivery.
3. Data centres: Ethernet plays a crucial role in data centres, where high-speed Ethernet connections are used to link servers, storage devices, and network infrastructure.
