A computer network is a digital network which acts as a point of connection for various computing devices. The size of a network can be represented in terms of the geographical area it covers and the number of computer devices that are a part of the network. There are various kinds of computer networks which can be categorized according to their size and purpose. Some of the most used networks are PAN, LAN, MAN and WAN. Let us discuss further about Local Area Network (LAN).
A Local Area Network is a group of computers and related devices which that share a common network for communication purposes within a defined geographical area. LANs can be found in homes, offices, common workspaces, libraries, essentially, a room, a building or a group of buildings. A LAN can be wired, wireless or even a combination of the two. A wired LAN makes use of the Ethernet to connect various computers while a wireless LAN uses the WiFi technology to connect computers to each other as well as to the Internet. Some routers are capable of supporting both Ethernet and WiFi and hence can be used to create both wired and wireless LAN. A LAN is a private network which makes it quite secure and reliable for use in companies and businesses. It can hold off any outside interference with the network. A LAN can operate at a comparatively higher level than other kinds of wide area networks.
Nowadays, most companies use LAN as their primary network. These companies work at a high level and require their network to be secure from outside interference and malicious users. Such organizations have a need for a secure Local Area Network. The LAN is the primary focus of a cyber attack when it comes to companies and businesses. This is why it is important to secure the Local Area Network. Regulating the ways in which users access the Internet and similar networks will help keep your LAN secure.
The most common strategy to secure a Local Area Network is installing a firewall resource behind a single access point such as an initial wireless router. Administrators can also secure routers and switches that are required to create the network (both wired and wireless). It is also a good option to use specific security protocols like WPA or WPA2 for password encryption on outside traffic. Another way to secure a LAN is by filtering traffic in trusted network areas. Mainly specialized authentication policies are used to scrutinize network traffic.
A LAN also requires internal security to avoid threats such as email based viruses or viruses from downloading a file from an illegitimate source. These internal security measures include employing methods like anti-virus or anti-malware security where hacking activities are introduce into the network through internal activities.
Local Area Network is one of the most widely used network in small spaces. It helps manage all the data in one centralized place which makes it easier to keep the data secure. LAN also allows easy transfer of data over computers in the network. It also allows you to connect to peripheral computer devices such as hard disks, printers and DVD ROMs. For these reasons, LANs are so popular in homes, offices and libraries and thus requires to be secured.