Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN)
In a virtual LAN, several switches on a LAN are logically connected to form a single switch. This type of network is used to separate and restrict different levels of computers. For example, since various departments in organizations such as accounting and support, all computers in these departments are logically connected to one switch, but the accounting department computer cannot access another computer in the support department. Therefore, computers in one department can easily communicate with each other, but computers in different departments cannot communicate with each other.
Advantages and benefits of Local Area Network (LAN)
In the following, we will get acquainted with some of the benefits and advantages of LAN network
Resource sharing
All resources are connected to one network, and if a computer needs a resource, it can be shared with another computer. These resources include DVD drives, printers, scanners, modems, and hardware drives. Therefore, there is no need to buy separate resources for each computer, and you can save costs.
The relationship between the client and the server
All data of connected computers can be stored on one server. If each computer (client) needs specific data, the user can easily log in and access the data from the server. For example, movies and songs can be stored on a server and accessed by any authorized user (user computer).
Internet sharing
In offices and Internet cafes, it can be seen that an Internet connection is shared between all computers. This technology is another type of LAN in which the main Internet cable is connected to a server and distributed through the operating system among the connected computers.
Sharing applications and software
Applications and software can be easily shared over a LAN. You can use licensed software so that any user can use it on the network. Purchasing a license for each user can cost the organization a lot of money, so subscribing to the software program is easy and at the lowest cost.
Data security
Data storage on the server is highly secure. If you want to modify or delete data, you can easily do so on a server computer, and other computers can access the updated data. On the other hand, you can allow access to specific users to access the data in the network.
Easy and fast communication
In local area networks, computers can exchange data and messages easily and quickly. This saves time and gets things done faster. LAN allows any user to share messages and data with any other user on the network. Users can access the network from any computer and access the data stored on the server.
Computer ID
In a LAN, each computer has its own MAC Address, which is temporarily stored on a switch or router when communicating. All computers on the LAN can be identified by a MAC address, which can send and receive messages and data. Of course, the MAC address is stored on the network adapter and the motherboard of each computer. On older computers, network adapters are not built into the motherboard, but they are made with motherboards on newer computers.