LAN Local Area Network: Advantages and Disadvantages in 2023
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Introduction
LAN Advantages and Disadvantages: LAN can be compared to a toy train in that it has numerous coaches attached to it and operates on a circular rail that cannot travel outside of that path.
Similarly, LAN refers to a system that connects a group of computers within a specific physical territory. 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; consequently, computers cannot run beyond the track, which is outside the network.
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What is LAN? Advantages and Disadvantages of LAN 2021
The abbreviation for local area network (LAN) is local area network. A local area network (LAN) is a system that connects computers and other electronic devices. Computer accessories include printers, scanners, and game consoles. A local area network is frequently used to connect computers within a single residence.
Electronic gadgets and wires are used to connect computers. Communication equipment includes hubs, switches, and routers.
It is used to share resources such as printers, the internet, and storage in homes, workplaces, and schools and universities. It is also used for LAN-based messaging amongst PC users.
In this post, we went over some of the benefits and drawbacks of LAN.
- Advantages of LAN
- Disadvantages of LAN
- Comparison Table for Advantages & Disadvantages of LAN
- FAQs on Pros & Cons of LAN
Advantages of LAN
- Simple and relatively inexpensive: The primary advantage of a local area network is that it is quick and easy to set up, as well as reasonably priced when compared to other options; thus, if an organization wants to build a network at a low cost and with flexibility, a local area network is the best option.
- Resource Collaboration:Expensive components, such as printers and scanners, cannot be linked to every desktop because it would be extremely burdensome for the company; however, thanks to local area networks, a corporation only needs one printer and scanner, and everyone can connect to that printer and scanner and send instructions from their machines, resulting in significant cost savings for the corporation.
- The relationship between client and server: All data from connected PCs may be stored on a single server. If a computer (Client) needs information, the client can easily log in and retrieve it from the system. Films and albums, for example, can be stored on the server and accessed by any authorized user (Client PC).
- Software program access: Software applications can also be exchanged on a LAN. You can include a single licensed program that can be utilized by any network device. Because purchasing a license for each device on a network is costly, distributing software is simple, straightforward, and cost-effective.
- Data security: Keeping information on the server is more safe and secure. Furthermore, if you want to update or delete any data, you may do it quickly on a single server computer, and other devices will be able to access the updated information. You can allow or refuse access to certain users, ensuring that only authorized users have access to the network’s data.
- Fast communication: LAN-connected systems or devices can communicate at extremely fast speeds, depending on the LAN model and ethernet cabling deployed. The most common supported speeds are 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps. Gigabit Ethernet technologies are rapidly evolving. Lower-cost varieties will be available to the public once the technology gets more sophisticated and large-scale production begins.
Disadvantages of LAN
- The local area network (LAN) not only connects computers but also interfaces with networking equipment such as routers, hubs, and switches. There is no doubt that LAN connectivity has increased the efficiency and productivity of this situation. However, LAN is not without flaws.
- The information security issue that arises: If the server equipment is not properly coded and there is a technical glitch, unapproved users can get data. As a result, the server’s privacy policies and processes must be managed appropriately.
- Major long-distance limitation: Local area networks are frequently designed within a building or apartment complex and cannot be extended to a larger area.
- If the server fails, all devices may suffer disproportionately: If a file on the server is severely damaged or a hard disk fails, all of the associated PCs will struggle to function properly.
- Installing a LAN is time-consuming and costly: Because specialist software is required to deploy a server, establishing a LAN is costly. Furthermore, communication hardware such as hubs, switches, routers, and cables are costly to purchase. A professional operator must administer and troubleshoot a large office’s LAN.
- Data Sharing from External Sources: Another disadvantage of LAN is that it is difficult and time-consuming to deliver files from outside the network since transportable media such as pen drives and CDs cannot be performed on all network devices.
As a result, if you have finished some housework and want to transfer it to the office, you must send it by email message, and if the information is large, even email is out of the question, and data transfer from home to office will be difficult and time-consuming.
LAN Advantages And Disadvantages In Tabular Form
ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
1.LANs let users to share resources like as printers, scanners, and data storage devices, minimizing the need for each user to have their own. | 1. Limited Range: Because LANs are designed to service a narrow geographic region, generally within a single building or campus, their utility in bigger or spread enterprises may be limited. |
2. Improved Communication: LANs enable users on a network to communicate quickly and reliably, boosting collaboration and teamwork. | 2. High Cost:A LAN can be costly to set up since it requires specialized hardware and software, as well as dedicated IT people to monitor and maintain the network. |
3. Centralized Data Management: LANs enable centralized data management, making it easier for IT workers to backup and safeguard critical data while also controlling access to sensitive data. | 3. Security Risks: Security concerns such as viruses, spyware, and hacking can undermine the network and its data on LANs. |
4. Increased Efficiency: By giving users rapid and easy access to shared resources and information, LANs can boost productivity and efficiency. | 4. Dependency: Local area networks (LANs) rely on a central server or hub, and if it fails, the entire network may become unavailable. |
5. Scalability:LANs can be scaled up or down as needed, allowing businesses to extend or contract their network as their requirements change. | 5. Limited Mobility:Because LANs are built for stationary devices like desktop computers and printers, they are less useful for mobile devices like laptops and smartphones. |
6. Improved Control: LANs enable IT workers to monitor and control network usage, limiting unauthorized users’ access and preventing network misuse. | 6. Compatibility Issues: LANs may experience compatibility issues with various hardware and software configurations, necessitating the use of additional IT resources to maintain and debug. |
Comparison Table for Advantages & Disadvantages of LAN
Advantage | Disadvantage |
The basic LAN configuration is not prohibitively expensive. | Security is a huge issue because it is so simple to acquire access to other people’s software components. Additional security tests are recommended to prevent unauthorized access. |
Because relevant protocols are available in the operating system (OS), LAN installation is quite simple. | Malware that appears on one device can easily spread to all LAN users. |
Microsoft Office, anti-virus software, and Adobe Acrobat are all installed on a single device and are immediately available to all LAN users. This enables them to download application software with the simple press of a button. | Setting up and maintaining a LAN is tough, and it necessitates the cooperation of professional technicians and system administrators. |
LAN users are not required to have hard disk or CD-ROM drives. They can save their work on a network file server in a handy system. | In a server-based LAN design, if the server fails, all players suffer considerably. |
FAQs on Pros & Cons of LAN
Question 1.
How does LAN make communication more easy and convenient?
Answer:
Individuals can easily share data over the network via LAN. Because the data is kept on the server, LAN members can access it at any time. As a result, each LAN user on the system may do this with other LAN users on the network. As a result, not only does this save time, but it also ensures that information is sent to the appropriate recipients.
Question 2.
In a LAN network, how are computers correctly identified?
Answer:
For authentication purposes, each device on the LAN is initially assigned a MAC address. This address is traditionally used for transmission and receiving. This information is available in today’s computers via the network adapter, which is connected to the motherboard.
Question 3.
What is the purpose of appointing a special administrator?
Answer:
Hardware problems and device malfunction are relatively common over LAN. As a result of these issues, the appointment of a special administrator is required. Because the administrator must be well-versed in the specific subject of networking, he or she must work full-time.