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 areanetwork..

Usenet newsgroup: news:comp.dcom.lans.misc.

(1995-03-13)