local area network (networking) (LAN) A data communications network which is geographically limited (typically to a 1 km radius) allowing easy interconnection of terminals, microprocessors and computers within adjacent buildings. Ethernet and FDDI are examples of standard LANs.
Because the network is known to cover only a small area, optimisations can be made in the network signal protocols that permit data rates up to 100Mb/s. See also token ring, wide area network, metropolitan area network.. Usenet newsgroup: news:comp.dcom.lans.misc. Last updated: 1995-03-13
