A local area network (LAN) is a network of devices located in a certain area. What should you know about a LAN, what it consists of, and what are its advantages? Here are the answers from the OS.ECO experts.
A LAN consists of cables, access points, switches, routers and other components that allow devices to connect to internal servers, web servers and other LANs. Add to this a network-enabled operating system, drivers that help your computers communicate with network equipment, and code.
The rise of virtualisation has also driven the development of virtual local area networks (VLANs), which allow network administrators to group network nodes logically and divide up networks without altering the infrastructure substantially.
Local networks allow companies to perform important functions: employees can use the same Internet connection, share files with each other, print on shared printers and even manage each other’s devices. LANs have several important characteristics:
A LAN is a private network that can stretch for several kilometres.
Local networks operate at relatively high speeds compared to global networks.
LANs operate in a relatively small geographical area.
You have shared and secure internet access.
Creating a secure and reliable local network profits not only you and your employees, but also your customers and business partners. It has many advantages:
Productivity
Using a local network can increase your company's productivity in several areas:
Easy scheduling of meetings and video conferencing
Local and remote access to all software and data
Quick and personalised customer service via e-mail, web forms or chat
Real-time analysis of business performance
Universality
The local network is very adaptable. Your employees can move between teams and departments, and the LAN will ensure that every user and every machine is always connected. You can add or remove devices, move printers and computers to different parts of the building, and change user information on existing devices with minimal effort.
Speed
A local network speeds up even the most complex tasks considerably.
Security
For additional data protection, you can set up automatic backups to a server or to the cloud.
The installation, connection, and setup of a LAN should be carried out by experienced professionals. They should carefully analyse your premises, design the final system, choose the optimal equipment, lay the telecommunication cables, configure the equipment and get the network up and running.
Hiring such specialists on staff would be expensive, so it’s better to outsource this task. For example, you can always rely on OS.ECO team. Contact us, and we’ll take care of the rest.
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