© 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.INTRO v Building a Simple Ethernet Network Defining a LAN

© 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.INTRO v Outline Overview Definition of a LAN Components of a LAN Functions of a LAN How Big Is a LAN? Summary

© 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.INTRO v Local Area Network

© 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.INTRO v LAN Components Computers –PCs –Servers Interconnections –NICs –Media Network devices –Hubs –Switches –Routers Protocols –Ethernet –IP –ARP –DHCP

© 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.INTRO v Functions of a LAN Data and applications Resources Communication path to other networks

© 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.INTRO v LAN Sizes

© 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.INTRO v Summary A LAN is a network that is located in a limited area, with the computers and other components that are part of this network located relatively close together. Regardless of its size, there are several fundamental components that are required for the operation of a LAN, including computers, interconnections, network devices, and protocols. LANs provide both a communication and resource-sharing function for their users. LANs can be configured in various sizes, including both SOHO and enterprise environments.

© 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.INTRO v2.12-8