What is a LAN (Local Area Network)?
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of computer and peripheral devices which are connected in a limited area such as school, laboratory, home, and office building. The simplest type of LAN network is to connect computers and a printer in someone’s home or office. It is a network which consists of less than 5000 interconnected devices across several buildings.
Characteristics of LAN
here are the important characteristics of a LAN network:
- It is a private network, so an outside regulatory body never controls it.
- LAN operates at a relatively higher speed compared to other WAN systems.
- There are various kinds of media access control methods like token ring and Ethernet
Advantages of LAN
Here are the pros/benefits of LAN:
- Computer resources like hard-disks, DVD-ROM, and printers can share local area networks.
- You can use the same software over the network instead of purchasing the licensed software for each client in the network.
- It will be easy to manage data at only one place, which makes data more secure.
- Local Area Network offers the facility to share a single internet connection among all the LAN users.
Disadvantages of LAN
Here are the cons/drawbacks of LAN:
- LAN will indeed save cost because of shared computer resources, but the initial cost of installing Local Area Networks is quite high.
- The LAN admin can check personal data files of every LAN user, so it does not offer good privacy.
- Unauthorized users can access critical data of an organization in case LAN admin is not able to secure centralized data repository.
- Local Area Network requires a constant LAN administration, as there are issues related to software setup and hardware failures
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|
| The fundamental LAN setup is not outrageously costly. | Because it is just so easy to gain access to other people's software components, security is a major problem. To restrict unwanted access, additional security tests are recommended. |
For even greater expandability, the hub can be joined, or uplinked, to other hubs. If you look closely at the front of the hub, you will see a port marked Uplink. To uplink a hub, simply insert a standard, straight-through 10BaseT cable between the Workgroup Hub’s Uplink port and any of another hub’s regular 10BaseT ports. A Maximum of three hubs can be connected together.
For example, like most hubs, a 5-Port Hub’s port number 5 and Uplink port are joined internally. This means that when port 5 is in use, the uplink port cannot be used, and vice-versa. If you plan on using the uplink port, you’ll need to disconnect any cables that are connected to port 5.
Setting up your network card’s software involves installing a network driver onto your computer. The driver will allow the card to communicate with your Network Operating System (NOS). Software package. Some of these NOS include Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95/98, Windows NT, and Novel
All the network cards that you buy should come with a 3.5 software disk where it includes driver's for different NOS. They should also have instructions on how to install them, but this hand out will help you understand and teach you how to install drivers.
After installing your network card hardware in your computer, follow the instructions below to install the card’s software.
• Install the network card hardware if you haven’t already
• Start up your computer and Windows 95/98.
• Windows 95/98 will automatically detect the presence of your network card hardware in your computer.
If Windows 95/98 goes immediately to the Windows desktop, and does not display a new hardware detected message. Go to my computer > control panel > system > device manager tab > select the network adapter and remove it from the list > restart computer
And you should get a window asking for drivers.
Important : When you reboot
Windows 95/98 may ask you for the Operating System CD-ROM
. Please provide them as necessary.
• Windows 95/98 will detect your network card and display a New Hardware Found window as shown below
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