What is a LAN?

LAN, which stands for Local Area Network, is a collection of computers and other connected devices that are linked together within a limited and well-defined geographical area. This "local" area is typically a single office, a floor in a building, a school campus, or a home.

The primary purpose of a LAN is to allow the devices on it to share resources and communicate with each other directly and securely. Common examples of shared resources include:

• Files and data stored on a central server.
• Printers and scanners.
• A single, shared internet connection.

Devices on a LAN are typically connected in one of two ways:

1. Wired: Using Ethernet cables plugged into a central switch or router.
2. Wireless (WLAN): Using Wi-Fi technology to connect without physical cables.

While a LAN is by definition local, modern technologies like a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can extend its reach. A VPN allows a remote user or a device to securely connect to the company LAN over the public internet, making it function as if it were physically present in the office.