Define LAN, and discuss the most common types of LANs. Define which type of LAN is in use in the accompanying figure.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Student responses will vary, but should be drawn from the following information from the text.??Networks usually are classified as a local area network, metropolitan area network, wide area network, or personal area network. The main difference among these classifications is their area of coverage.?A local area network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area, such as a home, school, office building (Figure 10-3), or closely positioned group of buildings. Each computer or device on the network, called a node, often shares resources, such as printers, large hard drives, and programs. Often, the nodes are connected via cables.?A wireless LAN (WLAN) shown in the figure, is a LAN that uses no physical wires. Computers and devices that access a wireless LAN must have built-in wireless capability or the appropriate wireless network card, USB adapter, or other wireless device. A WLAN may communicate with a wired LAN for access to its resources, such as software, hardware, and the Internet.