Networking means joining or linking devices such as computers. A local area network (LAN) is a collection of computers and other devices connected through some medium that transmits mostly data. The following characteristics are closely associated with LANs; however, one must be aware that LANs are continually changing.

Lan Characteristics

Private ownership: LANs consist of devices such as computers, scanners, printers, and cables that are privately owned. Networks also consist of privately owned lines, wires, hubs, and servers. Lines can be made of twisted-pair or coaxial-cable wires, or they can be wireless (such as radio or infrared waves). Hubs connect LAN segments, which are lengths of wire that have one or several attached devices. Servers are computers that are dedicated to one function, such as managing printers or storing applications or data. In short, businesses create and manage their own networks.

LAN size: The size of a LAN...