Glossary · Networking

LAN (Local Area Network)

A LAN is a network that connects devices within a limited area, such as a home, office or building, typically using Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

Updated October 6, 2026

A LAN (Local Area Network) is a privately operated network covering a small geographic area. Devices on it communicate directly over switches and access points, and reach other networks through a router.

Why it matters

LANs offer high speed and low latency because the distances are short and the owner controls the equipment. Printers, file servers and cameras are usually reachable only inside it. Security boundaries are often drawn at the LAN edge with a firewall, and larger LANs are split into VLANs or subnets to limit broadcasts and contain incidents.

Example

Home LAN: 192.168.1.0/24
  192.168.1.1   router / gateway
  192.168.1.20  laptop (Wi-Fi)
  192.168.1.30  NAS (Ethernet)

The laptop reaches the NAS directly at LAN speed without crossing the Internet.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming everything on the LAN is trustworthy.
  • Leaving IoT devices on the same segment as work computers.
  • Using the same private range as your VPN or office, which causes routing conflicts.

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