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For example, the sample diagram does not indicate the physical type of connection between the PCs and the switch, but since a modern LAN is depicted, Ethernet may be assumed. If the same style of line was used in a WAN (wide area network) diagram, however, it may indicate a different type of connection.
A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers within a single physical location. It is the most common type of computer network, used in homes and buildings including offices or schools, [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] for sharing data and devices between each other, including Internet access .
Examples of network topologies are found in local area networks , a common computer network installation. Any given node in the LAN has one or more physical links to other devices in the network; graphically mapping these links results in a geometric shape that can be used to describe the physical topology of the network.
Computer networks enhance how users communicate with each other by using various electronic methods like email, instant messaging, online chat, voice and video calls, and video conferencing. Networks also enable the sharing of computing resources. For example, a user can print a document on a shared printer or use shared storage devices.
Many technologies are available for wide area network links. Examples include circuit-switched telephone lines, radio wave transmission, and optical fiber. New developments have successively increased transmission rates. In c. 1960, a 110 bit/s line was normal on the edge of the WAN, while core links of 56 or 64 kbit/s were considered fast.
For example, a 1 bit might be represented on a copper wire by the transition from a 0-volt to a 5-volt signal, whereas a 0 bit might be represented by the transition from a 5-volt to a 0-volt signal. As a result, common problems occurring at the physical layer are often related to the incorrect media termination, EMI or noise scrambling, and ...
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For example the fact a typical home router has 4 to 6 Ethernet LAN ports, so a router's switching capacity could be exceeded. Another example may be that a network device might require a non-standard port feature such as power over Ethernet (PoE). (IP cameras and IP phones).