This hardware and software can build a LAN, including network hardware (network servers, network printers, network card, etc.), network transmission media, and network software.
Features
A local area network is usually owned by a department or unit. Easy to build, maintain and deploy, and system convenience is high.
Its main features are:
Geographical coverage is small, only within a relatively independent local area within a joint such as a centralized building.
It uses specialized layout transmission media for networking, offering high data transfer rates (10Mbs - 10Gbs)
The communication delay time is short. High reliability.
LAN can support a wide variety of media.
Topology
LANs are usually distributed over a limited geographical area of the network system, usually within a few kilometers. LAN specialization is very strong, with more consistent and standard topology.
Common LAN topologies are as follows:
Star topology
Star topology is a topology for a local area network (LAN) in which all nodes are individually connected to a central connection point, such as a hub or switch. A star e.g. A bus, but the advantage is that if the cable fails, only one node is unloaded.
Tree Topology
Tree topology combines features of linear bus and star topologies. It consists of groups of star-configured workstations connected to a straight bus spine cable. Tree topologies allow for the expansion of an existing network and allow schools to configure the network to meet their needs.
Bus topology
A linear bus topology involves the main run of the cable with a terminator at each end. All nodes (file server, workstations and peripherals) are connected by a direct cable.
Ring topology
A ring network is a network topology in which each node connects exactly to two other nodes, forming a single continuous path for signals through each node - a ring. Data travels from node to node, each node along the path that handles each packet.
How to set up a home LAN
This is a quick guide to setting up a simple LAN in your home.
Assemble your equipment
To set up a LAN, you need these tools:
Network switch - or router
Ethernet cable, in addition to every device you want to connect via cable
Computer
All your other equipment
If you want your LAN to connect to the Internet, you also need:
Broadband connection
A router
Modem (unless one of your routers is built)
Connect the first computer
Use an Ethernet cable to connect a computer to a router or switch.
On a Windows PC: The first time you use a network switch or router you should see the 'Set up network' wizard. This content is set automatically. If this does not appear, or you have already used this router, go to the Network and Sharing Center and select 'Set up a new connection or network'. Then you will be taken through the steps.
On Mac: Go to System Preferences, then Network, Built-in Ethernet, Advanced. Here you will find all the settings you need to set up a new network.
Set up your Wi-Fi
If you want to build a wireless network, you need to configure your router to get it.
If you want the computers to be connected to the LAN via an Ethernet cable, go ahead and skip this step.
The manual of the router or network switch tells you how to configure Wi-Fi, so follow those instructions.
Connect to the Internet
A LAN is designed to connect different devices to each other - but if you also want internet access, you now need to set it up.
If you already have a working router and broadband connection, you can plug in and go.
If you are setting up a new router and / or internet connection, you should follow the instructions given to you by your broadband provider or router manufacturer.
Either way, you need to plug your router and modem into your home's main phone line using the router's WAN port.
Connect the rest of your devices
Whether you connect your gadgets to the LAN via a Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable, they are all hooked up. These devices include other computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, TV set top boxes, game consoles, streaming sticks, etc.
To connect via Wi-Fi, turn on Wi-Fi on your device and select your home network from the list.
Connecting with an Ethernet cable is very easy - just plug one end into your network switch or router and the other into your devices.
Get involved
LAN helps you to share resources such as devices, files and media. With Windows PCs, you can create a 'Homegroup'.
Control Panel, then Network and Internet, then go to Homegroup and select 'Create Homegroup'. Windows will take you through the Homegroup Setup Wizard and give you the password that other devices need to connect to it. This is also the place where you can set up personal user accounts on your new LAN.
Now your home LAN is built.
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