What is a LAN?
LAN stands for Local Area Network. It is the name for a collection of nodes (electronic devices - e.g. computers, printers, etc) which are linked in such a way that data can be passed between them at a fast rate (usually 10MB/sec or more). A LAN usually covers a room, office or building.
The most other common type of network is a WAN (Wide Area Network). This is like a LAN except the nodes are spread out over a wide area and the connections between them are more complex and the speeds can vary from very slow to very fast. A WAN can cover any area - e.g. between buildings, towns, countries - even out into space (e.g. satellites).
For a more detailed explanation of what a LAN is, look at this definition from Webopedia.
For step-by-step help on setting up a LAN, check out Pauls LAN page.
A LAN Party is an 'organised' event where a number of gamers bring their PCs to a location, connect them all (i.e. form a LAN) and then play games and party for 2 or 3 days straight!
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