Chapter Summary
A LAN is just two or more network-capable devices connected to each other over a small area through a medium, such as a cable. LAN architecture is the set of rules and design principles that define the LAN. A LAN is made up of three components: physical media, such as the cabling and network interfaces; the topology, such as a star or ring topology; and the protocols, or LAN technologies, such as Token Ring or Ethernet.
The topology of a LAN is characterized by its logical form and its physical shape, such as the shape of a star, ring, or a tree. A star topology is also known as a hub-and-spoke because the connecting point of all devices is at the center of the star, much as the hub of a wheel is the center of the wheel spokes. ...
Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.
Read now
Unlock full access