2025-2026
What is a Local Area Network (LAN)? - Answers is a communication network that interconnects
a variety of data communicating devices within a small geographic area and broadcast data at
high data transfer rates.
First appeared in 1970s.
What are the primary function of LANs? - Answers To provide resources to perform one or more
of the following:
Access to the internet
File Serving
Print Serving
Database and Application Serving
Email Serving, etc.
Advantages of LANs? - Answers 1. Ability to share hardware and software resources
2. Individual workstation might survive network failure.
3. Component and system evolution are possible.
4. Secure transfers at high speeds with low error rates.
Disadvantages of LANs? - Answers 1. Equipment and support can be costly.
2. Level of maintenance continues to grow.
3. LAN is only as strong as its weakest link, and there are many links.
What was the first LAN topology? - Answers The Bus/Tree which has a workstation that has a
NIC that attaches to the bus (coaxial cable) via a tap.
Characteristics of the Bus/Tree - Answers Baseband signals are bidirectional and more outward
in both direction from workstation transmitting. Broadband are usually uni-directional and
transmit only one direction.