What Is a LAN?
a LAN — a Local Area Network — the network within one location (an office, campus, home), built on switches and typically owned and run by one organisation.
How it works
LANs deliver high speed (1–10 Gbps commonplace) at low latency because distances are short and the owner controls everything. Switches connect endpoints; VLANs segment users; a router links the LAN to other sites and the internet.
Why it matters
Most CCNA content is LAN engineering — switching, VLANs, spanning tree, LAN routing. Contrast with WANs, which link sites over distance using carrier services.
Frequently asked questions
What is an example of a LAN?
An office network: PCs, printers and Wi-Fi connected through switches, sharing servers and one internet gateway.
How is a LAN different from Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is one access method into the LAN — the wireless portion of the same local network.
Who owns a LAN?
Usually the organisation on-site — unlike WAN links, which typically ride carrier/ISP infrastructure.
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