Local area networks (Computer networks)

A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers within a single physical location. It is the most common type of computer network, used in homes and buildings including offices or schools, for sharing data and devices between each other, including Internet access. Ethernet and Wi-Fi are the two most common technologies used for local area networks; historical network technologies include ARCNET, Token Ring and AppleTalk. A LAN contrasts a wide area network (WAN) which not only covers a larger geographic distance, but also generally involves leased telecommunication circuits.