Networking Solutions
LAN & WAN
A computer network refers to a set of computers that share resources located by network nodes; these connections can be physically wired, optical, or through wireless radio-frequency methods. These connections can be arranged in various network topologies, including the LAN and WAN.
A Local Area Network (LAN) refers to a computer network that connects several computers within a limited geographical area such as a residence, school, university campus, or office building. A Wide Area Network (WAN) covers a more prominent geographical location and generally involves leased telecommunication circuits. In LAN, the most common technologies used are Ethernet and Wi-Fi. LANs usually operate at a relatively high speed compared to the WAN and work in a relatively small area. LANs are generally privately owned and thus, can be extended up to a few kilometers.
Technical aspects
Network topology illustrates the layout of interconnections between devices and network segments. Many LAN topologies have been used at the data link and physical layers, including ring, bus, mesh, and star topologies.
Uncomplicated LANs usually comprise cables and one or more switches. A switch can be joined to a router, cable modem, or ADSL for Internet access. A LAN can include various web devices such as firewalls, load balancers, and web intrusion disclosure. Modern LANs are distinguished by their use of excessive links with switches using the traversing tree protocol to avoid loops, their ability to manage differing traffic types via quality of service, and their capability to disconnect traffic with VLANs.
At the advanced network layers, protocols such as NetBIOS, IPX/SPX, AppleTalk, and others were expected, but the Internet protocol suite has overcome as the accepted choice.
LANs can control connections with other LANs via leased lines, leased services, or across the Internet using virtual private network technologies. Depending on how the relationships are accepted and robust and the distance occupied, such linked LANs may also be categorized as a metropolitan area network (MAN) or a vast area network (WAN).
