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Local area network

(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..

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

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L&O load load balancing lobotomy LOC	3Com Corporation 802.11b 802.11g Appletalk Banyan	Local Area Transport local bus locale local echo local exchange carrier