It also describes the basic operations of an
Ethernet LAN and how frames are transmitted over it.
The Definition of a LAN
A LAN is a network of computers and other components located relatively close together
in a limited area. LANs can vary widely in their size. A LAN might consist of only two
computers in a home of?¬?ce or small business, or it might include hundreds of computers in
a large corporate of?¬?ce or multiple buildings. Figure 1-89 shows some examples of LANs.
A small home business or a small of?¬?ce environment could use a small LAN to connect two
or more computers and to connect the computers to one or more shared peripheral devices
such as printers. A large corporate of?¬?ce could use multiple LANs to accommodate
hundreds of computers and shared peripheral devices, for departments such as ?¬?nance or
operations, spanning many ?¬‚oors in an of?¬?ce complex.
Understanding Ethernet 105
Figure 1-89 LANs
Components of a LAN
Every LAN has speci?¬?c components, including hardware, interconnections, and software.
Figure 1-90 highlights the hardware components of a LAN
Figure 1-90 LAN Components
Large Office LAN
Small Office LAN
Switch
Router
Hub
PC
PC
PC
106 Chapter 1: Building a Simple Network
Regardless of the size of the LAN, it requires these fundamental components for its
operation.
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