What is LAN?

LAN is the short form of Local Area Network. It allows the linking together of several computers within a building. This interconnection of various computer terminals located in close proximity such as an industrial complex, an office building and a university campus enables each terminal to interact with any other. LAN is, therefore, a multi-user system. Not only is the exchange of data among the various linked up computers made possible by LAN but resources from a large computer can also be shared. LAN thus offers the most effective means of handling local automated tasks and data management.

LAN can be even linked with an outside computer network using ‘gateway’. The gateway converts the formats of data to make them compatible to the two networks.