Understanding LAN is :
Understanding LAN is a computer network where the network area is very small or limited. For example, office computer networks, schools, homes, or in one room.
At present, most LANs use IEEE 802.3 Ethernet technology and are equipped with switch devices with data transfer speeds of 10, 100, or 1000 Mbits / second. In addition, there are also 802.11b (Wi-fi) technologies that are widely used to make LANs, while areas that provide Wi-fi technology LAN connections are called hotspots.
In general, LAN networks are used to connect several computers that are in a small area or side by side. For example computer networks in school laboratory rooms are interconnected so that the process of sending data can be done easily and quickly.
Understanding LAN According to Experts :
1. Bonnie Suherman
According to Bonnie Suherman, the notion of LAN is a network limited to a single room in a building or connecting several buildings in a closed geographical area.
2. Angga Wibowo
According to Angga Wibowo, the notion of LAN is a network that functions specifically or locally. In general, LAN networks are used in small spaces, such as in offices, campuses, and other environments.
3. Teguh Wahyono
According to Teguh Wahyono, LAN is a network of locally functioning computers, which have very little local support. This LAN network only has a free area with a radius of only about 20 km or narrower.
4. Arief Ramadhan
According to Arief Ramadhan, the notion of LAN is a computer network that has an area that is limited to a certain area or location.
5. Agus J. Alam
According to Agus J. Nature, LAN meaning is a network consisting of one or more computers, which is in a certain place.
LAN characteristics :
LAN has several characteristics that distinguish it from MAN networks (Metropolitan Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network). Like some LAN characteristics are as follows :
- LANs are in a narrower geographic scope (office, campus, school, and home area).
- LANs have higher data transfer speeds.
- LANs can be used properly without telecommunication lines. In other words, LANs do not need internet access.
LAN Network Function :
Basically the main network LAN is to connect several computers in the network so that the work process becomes easier and faster. In accordance with the definition of LAN described before, as for the purpose of the LAN are as follows :
- To connect multiple computers in several small regions.
- To enable communication between computers and devices on the network.
- To enable and accelerate the process of sharing data and programs between computers on the network.
- Helps save operational costs because devices in one network can be used together (for example: printers, servers, etc.).
Basic Components of a LAN Network :
LAN consists of several basic components that are arranged so that they can be connected with several computers. The following are some of the following basic LAN components :
- Workstation, which is a node or host consisting of a computer system.
- Server, which is hardware (hardware) that serves to serve networks and workstations connected to a network.
- Link, which is part of a LAN network that connects equipment such as physical workstations and servers.
- Network Interface Card (NIC), an electronic circuit specifically designed for the installation of network protocols.
- Network Software, which is the software used to run a LAN network that is supported properly.
Strengths and Weaknesses of LAN :
Each network has its own advantages and disadvantages. The following advantages and disadvantages in LAN networks are as follows :
1. Excess LAN
- Various resources, with LANs, users can share resources on each computer.
- Centralized data, data that exists on each computer on the LAN network can be stored in one place, namely on the server. With the server, each user can access files on each computer.
2. Lack of LAN
- Security is vulnerable, this happens because every computer can be accessed by every user. There may be users who cannot use the confidentiality of the data and passwords they have so that the user cannot break in.
- Problems with the central server, if there is a problem with the central server, it will have a bad impact on the entire LAN network. For example, if the central server is a virus then all computers in the network will oppose.
- The installation risks being expensive, when installation costs depend on the infrastructure as well as geography, and the type of network topology. However, LAN installations generally require not a small amount of money.
Such is the complete explanation of the meaning of LAN, functions, goals, and components of LAN networks. Hopefully this article is useful and adds to your insight.
