A Local Area Network (LAN) connects devices within a limited geographic area like an office, school, or home to share resources and data.
Here are the key components of a LAN:
- Network Interface Cards (NICs)
- Network Circuits
- Network Hubs
- Network Switches
- Access Points (APs)
- Network Operating Systems (NOS)
1.) Network Interface Cards (NICs)
A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware component that allows a device (such as a computer or printer) to connect to a network.
- It provides the necessary interface to connect to both wired and wireless networks.
- NICs have a unique MAC address and allow devices to send and receive data over a LAN or other networks.
- NICs can be wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi), depending on the network type.
Example:
The NIC in a laptop connects it to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, allowing communication with other devices.
2.) Network Circuits
Network circuits are the communication pathways, either wired (cables) or wireless (radio frequencies), that connect network devices.
Types:
- Wired Circuits: Use Ethernet cables like Cat5e, Cat6, or fiber-optic cables.
- Wireless Circuits: Use radio frequencies for data transmission in WLANs.
Characteristics:
- It provides the medium for data transfer.
- It influences network speed and performance based on their type and quality.
Example:
Ethernet cables connecting computers to a central switch in an office.
3.) Network Hubs
A simple networking device that connects multiple computers in a network, typically within a LAN is called Network Hub.
- It receives data from one device and broadcasts it to all other devices connected to the hub.
- Operates at Layer 1 (Physical Layer) of the OSI model.
- Less efficient and often replaced by switches in modern networks.
Example:
A hub connecting multiple computers in a small, simple network.
4.) Network Switches
A Network Switch is a more intelligent networking device than a hub that operates at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) and forwards data only to the device that is intended to receive it, based on the MAC (Media Access Control) address.
- Sends data only to the specific device that needs it.
- Supports Full-Duplex Communication.
- Unlike hubs, switches reduce network traffic and collisions by sending data to only the required port.
Example:
A switch connecting computers, printers, and servers in an office LAN.
5.) Access Points (APs)
An Access Point (AP) is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network.
- It serves as a bridge between the wireless and wired components of a LAN.
Characteristics:
- Extends the range of a wireless network.
- Operates using Wi-Fi standards (e.g., 802.11ac or 802.11ax).
- Provides mobility for wireless devices.
Example:
An AP in a home network allows smartphones and laptops to connect to the internet wirelessly.
6.) Network Operating Systems (NOS)
A Network Operating System (NOS) is software that manages network resources and enables communication between devices in a network.
Characteristics:
- Provides functionalities like file sharing, printer sharing, and user authentication.
- Examples include Windows Server, Linux, and Unix-based systems.
- Runs on servers or specialized devices in a LAN.
