LAN Insights | Sumble

What is LAN?

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and other devices within a limited geographical area, such as a home, school, office building, or closely positioned group of buildings. LANs allow users to share files, printers, and other resources, as well as communicate with each other. They are commonly used to provide network access, share resources, and facilitate communication within a small area.

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What other technologies are related to LAN?

LAN Competitor Technologies

WAN

WAN (Wide Area Network) connects networks over a larger geographical area than a LAN, making it a competitor for network connectivity in some scenarios.

mentioned alongside LAN in 87% (47.4k) of relevant job posts

MAN

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) covers a larger area than a LAN, serving as a competitor in providing network connectivity for broader geographical regions.

mentioned alongside LAN in 72% (1.3k) of relevant job posts

SD-WAN

SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN) provides a centralized, software-based approach to manage WAN connections, potentially reducing the need for traditional LAN extensions.

mentioned alongside LAN in 13% (4.3k) of relevant job posts

SDWAN

SDWAN (Software-Defined WAN) provides a centralized, software-based approach to manage WAN connections, potentially reducing the need for traditional LAN extensions.

mentioned alongside LAN in 15% (2.9k) of relevant job posts

MPLS

MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is a WAN technology, so it is a competitor to LAN in some use cases.

mentioned alongside LAN in 9% (4.7k) of relevant job posts

LAN Complementary Technologies

WLAN

WLAN (Wireless LAN) is a type of LAN, often used to provide wireless connectivity within a local area network, thereby complementing LAN technologies.

mentioned alongside LAN in 60% (10.7k) of relevant job posts

VPN

VPN (Virtual Private Network) provides secure, encrypted connections over a network, often used to connect to or extend a LAN, making it complementary.

mentioned alongside LAN in 12% (15.5k) of relevant job posts

routers

Routers connect different networks together, including LANs, making them essential components for LANs to communicate with other networks.

mentioned alongside LAN in 12% (6.5k) of relevant job posts