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Local area network
Computer network that connects devices over a limited area / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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"LAN" redirects here. For other uses, see Lan.
A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area such as a residence, school, laboratory, university campus or office building.[1] By contrast, a wide area network (WAN) not only covers a larger geographic distance, but also generally involves leased telecommunication circuits.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/db/Ethernet_LAN.svg/640px-Ethernet_LAN.svg.png)
Ethernet and Wi-Fi are the two most common technologies in use for local area networks. Historical network technologies include ARCNET, Token Ring and AppleTalk.