English

Noun

local area network ‎(plural local area networks)

1. (computing) An interconnection of computers that are in relatively close proximity to each other, such as within a building.

   A Local Area Network connects all of the computers in our office.

2. (computing) A network on which all devices communicate using OSI model device layer addressing.
3. (Internet) A network on which all communication is delivered by way of MAC addresses and that is not routed.

Synonyms

• LAN

Coordinate terms

• wide area network, metropolitan area network, campus area network, personal area network, storage area network

Usage notes

• (communication by way of MAC address) This is the technically correct sense of the term in an internetworking context.

Translations

See also

• (Internet) ARP

Related terms

• LAN party
• MAN
• Metropolitan Area Network
• network
• wide area network