LAN

LAN stands for Local Area Network. A Local Area Network connects equipment within a short distance. LAN involves network computers, printers, and other devices connected within a building such as a school, office or home. A LAN could further be extended by implementation of other smaller LAN’s within the building or office.

The computer terminals in this illustration show how data is shared using one file server. A LAN enables devices connected to it to interact with each other on the network. These items plus data can be freely accessed by all or limited members of staff within an organization. A person on Terminal A can access data both on File server and on any of the other terminals. Restriction to access data can be implemented by use of passwords and other security features that a Network Administrator can put in place.

Setting up a Network.

This document assumes that you have a wireless connection. Firstly, you need to run Wireless Router or Access point Set up wizard on your computer connected to this network.

If you are adding a wireless computer, click on Start Button, then click Connect To. A list of available connections appears and you will be prompted to choose your wireless network. If the network asks for a Network key or Password, type it or ask for it from your network administrator. When done, click OK and a confirmation message will appear when your connection has been successful. To prove that your device or computer has been added successfully, you will see their Icons in the Network and Sharing centre. Clicking one of the Icons will open and make you access data from the selected item.

If you have a USB flash drive, your wireless network settings can be saved and then used to set up other computers to the same network. All you need to do is to plug the USB flash drive into a USB port, in the AutoPlay dialog box, click Wireless Network Setup Wizard. Network configuration with other computers will start and do the same on other computers on your network. After configuration has taken place, you will be prompted to restart your computer. This process works well both on Windows Vista and Windows XP platforms.