LANs - (Local Area Networks)
Local area Networks or LANs are simply the cabling and linking devices that join together all your PCs, Printers and Servers that make up your Network. A LAN is usually that part of your network that is sited within your local building curtilage. If you have more than one site, say an office in Leeds and an Office Bristol, then by linking these together, you create a WAN. (Wide Area Network) See Broadband, Site2Site for more info on how to do this.
Cabling PCs can be quite expensive, and this is why some businesses are moving to Wireless LANs. One point to note with Wireless LAN (WLAN) and that is they are prone to interference and can lose connection frequently if working in an area where other wireless devices such as microwaves/telephones etc are used. However this said, to cable 4 PCs and a Hub could cost as much as £350. Whereas one Wireless Router and 4 PC Wireless cards start from £150.00 A saving of £200.00. The other benefit of WLAN is for Portable Laptop PCs for users on the road. They can link into public WLANs and then securely link to your office network whilst travelling.
