LAN stands for Local Area Network. A LAN is a group of computers and devices that are located in a specific place. The devices connect to the LAN via an Ethernet cable or via Wi-Fi. Your home may have a LAN. If your PC, tablet, smart TV, and wireless printer connect via your Wi-Fi, these connected devices are part of your LAN. Only devices that you authorize can access your LAN.
What is a LAN (Local Area Network)?
LANs were first used by colleges and universities in the 1960s. These computer networks were used to catalog library collections, schedule classes, record student grades, and share equipment resources.
LANs did not become popular in business organizations until Xerox PARC developed Ethernet in 1976. Chase Manhattan Bank in New York was the first commercial adopter of this new technology. By the early 1980s, many businesses had an Internet network (intranet) consisting of hundreds of computers sharing printers and file storage in a single location.
After the release of Ethernet, companies such as Novell and Microsoft developed software products to manage these Ethernet LAN networks. Over time, these networking tools became part of popular computer operating systems. Microsoft Windows 10 has tools to set up a home network.
