LAN
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Networking
| Stands for | Local area network |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
LAN stands for Local area network, a networking abbreviation.
Connects computers, printers and other devices within a limited area such as a home, office or school building, usually over Ethernet cables and Wi-Fi. Devices on the same LAN can talk to each other directly at high speed without going through the internet.
Example: All the consoles were on the same LAN, so the match ran with almost no lag.
Usage notes
Ethernet, developed at Xerox PARC in 1973 and standardized as IEEE 802.3, became the dominant wired LAN technology. A "LAN party" is a gathering where players connect their computers for multiplayer games. On a home router, the LAN ports serve local devices while the single WAN or internet port connects to the modem. Usually pronounced as a word, "lan".
Related abbreviations
More networking abbreviations
- IRC – Internet Relay Chat
- IS-IS – Intermediate System to Intermediate System
- iSCSI – Internet Small Computer Systems Interface
- ISP – Internet service provider
- IXP – Internet exchange point
- L2TP – Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol
- LDAP – Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
- MAC – Media access control (address)
- MAN – Metropolitan area network
- MPLS – Multiprotocol Label Switching
- MQTT – MQTT (formerly MQ Telemetry Transport)
- MSS – Maximum segment size