Network+™: Study Guide, Fourth Edition

1.1. Network Elements

In the computer world, the term network describes two or more connected computers that can share resources such as data, a printer, an Internet connection, applications, or a combination of these. In the following sections, we'll discuss each type of network and describe the situation that is most appropriate for its use.

1.1.1. Local Area Network

By definition, a local area network (LAN) is limited to a specific area, usually an office, and cannot extend beyond the boundaries of a single building. The first LANs were limited to a range (from a central point to the most distant computer) of 185 meters (about 600 feet) and no more than 30 computers. Today's technology allows a larger LAN, but practical administration limitations ...