Agilent Technologies E5810B, User Manual

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Glossary
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128 E5810B User’s Guide
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LAN
Local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network that spans
a relatively small area. Most LANs are confined to a single
building or a group of buildings. However, one LAN can be
connected to other LANs over any distance via telephone
lines and radio waves. A system of LANs connected in this
way is called a Wide- Area Network (WAN).
Most LANs connect workstations and personal computers.
Each node (individual computer) in a LAN has its own CPU
with which it executes programs, but is also able to access
data and devices anywhere on the LAN. This means that
many users can share expensive devices, such as laser
printers, as well as data. Users can also use the LAN to
communicate with each other, by sending e- mail or engaging
in chat sessions.
There are many different types of LANs and Ethernets being
the most common for PCs. Most Apple Macintosh networks
are based on Apple's AppleTalk network system, which is
built into Macintosh computers. The following characteristics
differentiate one LAN from another:
Topology
Topology is the geometric arrangement of devices on the
network. For example, devices can be arranged in a ring or
in a straight line.
Protocols
Protocols are the rules and encoding specifications for
sending data. The protocols also determine whether the
network uses a peer- to- peer or client/server architecture.