3  Local Area Networks – business

Figure 3
  • Larger businesses may have a great many network-connected devices due to the large number of staff they employ. Their network is still considered to be a LAN if the devices are located within the same building or on the same site.
  • A business LAN will probably contain many specialist devices not typically found in SOHO networks, such as:
    • Internet telephones
    • servers
    • security devices
  • Servers are computers that can provide services for those who use the LAN. For example, a file server allows LAN users to share files (documents, video and software).
  • Security devices are special network hardware, designed to protect the network from attack.

2  Local Area Networks – small office/home office

4  Wide Area Networks