ALL meanings of local area network
lo·cal ar·e·a net·work
L l - noun Technical meaning of local area network (networking) (LAN) A data communications network which is geographically limited (typically to a 1 km radius) allowing easy interconnection of terminals, microprocessors and computers within adjacent buildings. Ethernet and FDDI are examples of standard LANs. Because the network is known to cover only a small area, optimisations can be made in the network signal protocols that permit data rates up to 100Mb/s. See also token ring, wide area network, metropolitan area network.. 1
- noun local area network a system for linking private telecommunications equipment, as in a building or cluster of buildings. 1
- noun local area network Computers. a system for linking personal computers and workstations with each other in order to share data, devices, programs, etc.: usually confined to one office, building, or home. Compare network (def 3). 1
- countable noun local area network A local area network is a group of personal computers and associated equipment that are linked by cable, for example in an office building, and that share a communications line. The abbreviation LAN is also used. 0
- noun local area network the linking of a number of different devices by cable within a system 0
- noun local area network a computer network (sense 3) network (sense 3a) within a small area or within a common environment, as one within a building or one connecting offices on separate floors 0