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Term: LAN (LOCAL-AREA NETWORK)

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A LAN is a collection of two or more computers that are located within a limited distance of each other and that are connected to each other, directly or indirectly. LANs differ in the way the computers are connected, in how information moves around the network, and in what machine (if any) is in charge of the network. The PCs in a LAN are called nodes ,and nodes may be either servers or workstations . Workstations are sometimes known just as stations .Minicomputers or mainframe computers in a LAN generally serve as hosts for PCs or terminals that are connected to the computer. Most computer-terminal connections are over telephone or dedicated lines, so that these configurations are generally considered wide-area networks, or WANs. Nodes are connected to a network by means of a network interface card (NIC) ,which is also called a network adapter card, network board , and a dozen other names. The NIC is installed in an expansion slot in the node. This NIC is connected directly or indirectly to the network cable. Each node must have its own NIC. A server can have multiple NICs, which allow that server to be connected to multiple networks simultaneously.

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