Local-area network (LAN)
A LAN connects devices in one area, such as a house or business. A LAN can be tiny (one user) or huge (thousands of users and devices). A LAN might be wired or wireless.
A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area such as a residence, school, laboratory, university campus or office building. By contrast, a wide area network (WAN) not only covers a larger geographic distance, but also generally involves leased telecommunication circuits.
Ethernet and Wi-Fi are the two most common technologies in use for local area networks. Historical network technologies include ARCNET, Token Ring and AppleTalk.