Computer Network Tutorial

Introduction of Computer Network Types of Computer Network Network Topology Computer Networking Architecture Transmission Modes (Data Flow) Basic Networking Devices Integrate Services Digital Network (ISDN)

Model

OSI Model TCP/IP Model

Physical Layer

Digital Transmission Analog Transmission Transmission Media Switching

Data Link Layer

Error detection and Error correction Data Link Control Multiple Access Aloha

Network Layer

Network Layer - Logical Address Address Mapping Unicast Routing Protocol

Transport Layer

Process to Process Delivery User Datagram Protocol Transmission Control Protocol Stream Control Transmission Protocol Session Layer and Presentation Layer

Application Layer

Domain Name System Application Protocol E-mail Cryptography

Misc

Classes of Routing Protocols Classification of Routing Algorithms Controlled Access Protocols in Computer Networks Differences between IPv4 and IPv6 Fixed and Flooding Routing Algorithms Advantages and Disadvantages of Fibre Optics Cable APIPA Difference between Active and Passive FTP Fiber Optics and its Types Method of Joining and Fusion of Fiber Optic Cable Define Framing in Computer Network Disadvantages of Computer Network Mesh Topology Diagram in Computer Network Ring Topology in Computer Network Star Topology in Computer Networks 4G Mobile Communication Technology Advantages and Disadvantages of LAN Advantages and Disadvantages of MAN Advantages and Disadvantages of WAN Application Layer in OSI Model Cyclic Redundancy Check Example Data link layer in OSI model Difference between Transport and Network Layer Hamming Code Example Network Layer in OSI Model Session Layer in OSI Model Transport Layer in OSI Model Two Port Network in Computer Networks Uses of Computer Networks What is Computer Network What is Framing in a Computer Network Advantages and Disadvantages of Bus Topology Difference between Star Topology and Bus Topology Subnetting in Computer Network Subnetting Questions and Answers What is Bus Topology What is Network Topology and Types in Computer Networks Access Control in Networking Basic Characteristics of Computer Network Benefits of SOCKS5 Proxy in Computer Networks Computer Network viva Questions Difference between BOOTP and RARP Difference Between Network Topologies and Network Protocols Difference between NFC and RFID Difference Between Point-to-Point Link and star Topology Network Differences Between MSS and MTU Differences Between Trunk Port and Access Port Different Modes of Communication in Computer Networks MIME Protocol in Computer Networks Modes of Communication in Computer Networks Network Attack in Computer Network Port Address in Networking Simplest Protocol in Computer Network Sliding Window Protocol in Computer Network Stop And Wait Protocol in Computer Networks TCP 3-Way Handshake Process in Computer Networks What is a Proxy Server What is APPN What is ICMP Protocol What is Point-to-Point Protocol What is Port Address in Networking What is the HDLC Protocol What is VRRP Protocol Difference Between Analog and Digital Signals Difference Between Hub and Repeater Difference between Repeater and Switch Difference Between Transparent Bridge and Source Routing Bridge Source Routing Bridge in Computer Networks Transparent Bridge in Computer Networks Transport Protocol in Computer Networks Types of CSMA in Computer Networks What is Wired and Wireless Networking Network Security in Computer Network Disadvantages of Extranet Difference Between TELNET and FTP Define Protocol in Computer Networks Guided Transmission Media in Computer Network What is a Gateway in a Computer Network IGMP in Computer Networks LAN Protocols in Computer Networks MAN Meaning in Computer Modulation Techniques in Computer Networks Switching in DCN TCP/IP Applications What is IGMP? What is Modem in Networking What is Non-Persistent CSMA Difference between Cell Splitting and Cell Sectoring Forouzen Computer Network Open Loop and Closed Loop Congestion Control Types of Cluster Computing WAP-Wireless Access Point What are the elements of the Transport Protocol Difference between Gateway and Switch Flow Control in Data Link Layer Body Area Network Flooding in Computer Network Token Ring in Computer Networks VoIP in Computer Networks What is Infrared Transmission Congestion Control Techniques Forward Error Correction (FEC) Switching Techniques What is Telnet in Computer Network

Advantages and Disadvantages of LAN

Before we move to advantages and disadvantages of LAN, first we discuss about what is LAN.

Local area network is referred to by its abbreviation, LAN. A system that connects PCs and other computer hardware is called a local area network. Game consoles, printers, and scanners are a few examples of computer peripherals. Computers within an apartment are frequently connected via a local area network.

LAN can be compared to a toy train which has several carriages attached to each other and  travels on a circular line in only one direction.

Similarly, LAN designates a system that links several computers together within a specific physical area. In the context of LAN, a group of computers is analogous to a train, and the network is analogous to a section of the track. That’s why, computers cannot travel outside the network or beyond the track.

To connect computers, people need wires and technological gadgets. Good examples of communication hardware include hubs, switches, and routers.

Advantages of LAN

Following are the some advantages or benefits of the Local Area Network (LAN):

1. Simple and Reasonable Cost: Compared to other types of networks, a local area network has the advantage of being quick, simple, and reasonably inexpensive to set up. As a result, if an organization wants to establish a network with flexibility and at a low cost, a local area network is the best option.

2. Collaboration of Resources: Due to local area networks, an organization only uses one printer and scanner, and each user link their desktop to that printer and scanner and send instructions from their machines which significantly saves the cost of the organization. Expensive components, such as printers and scanners, cannot be linked to each desktop because it would be extremely burdensome for the organization.

3. Relationship between Client and Server: A single server may collect or extract all data or information from connected PCs. The client may easily log in and retrieve the information from the system if a machine (Client) requests it. For example, movies and albums can be kept on the server and retrieved by any authorized user (Client computer).

4. Software application access: Software programs may also be shared on the LAN. Any device on a network may use a single licensed program that you incorporate. Since purchasing a license for each device on a network is expensive. So, distributed software is convenient and economical.

5. Data security: Storing information on the server is safer and more secure. You may easily allow or refuse access to certain users, ensuring that only those who have been authorized have access to the network's data. Additionally, you may quickly change or delete any data on a single server machine, and additional devices can access the updated data.

6. Quick communication: Depending on the LAN model and the amount of installed ethernet cabling, systems or devices linked to a LAN can interact directly at very fast speeds.10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps are the most common high speeds. Gigabit Ethernet technology is evolving swiftly.

Disadvantages of LAN

Following are the some disadvantages or limitations of the Local Area Network (LAN):

  • The main biggest disadvantage of LAN is that the network cannot be extended to a larger area due to long-distance limitations.
  • If the server fails, all devices can be disproportionately impacted: If a hard disc crashes or a file on the server is severely damaged due to some reasons or circumstances, then all the connected devices on LAN cannot run properly and the network may be stop.
  • A LAN installation is Challenging and Expensive: As we know specialist software is required to deploy a server. So, setting up a LAN is costly. Furthermore, the cost of purchasing communication hardware, including hubs, switches, routers, and cables is high. A skilled operator or administrator is required to manage and troubleshoot a large LANs in offices and buildings.
  • Data Exchange from External Sources: Another problem of LAN is that sending files from outside the network is challenging and time-consuming because not all machines on the network can conveniently handle transportable media like pen drives and CDs. As a result, if you finish any work at home and want to transmit it to the office, you must send it via email. If the amount of information is large, email is not an option; therefore, moving data from home to work will be difficult and time-consuming.