7 Advantages and Disadvantages of LAN | Limitations & Benefits of LAN

 

LAN: What is it?

A local area network, or LAN, is a kind of network that links computers inside a specific geographic area, usually a house or building. Ethernet or WiFi connections are used to link computers and other devices inside a specific network area (LAN).


What is the purpose of LAN?

In addition to linking computers, LAN also facilitates communication between hubs, switches, and routers. Without a doubt, LAN communication has improved greatly in efficiency. But LANs aren't perfect. You should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of LANs prior to installing a network.


I'll be discussing the 7 Advantages and Disadvantages of LAN | Limitations & Benefits of LAN in this post. By now, you are aware of the pros and cons of LAN use.

Now let's get started, 

Advantages of LAN

1. Resource Sharing

Local area networks make it simple to share resources like printers, DVD drives, and hard disks. As an illustration, all the resources can be networked to a single computer so that they can be shared with the other computers on the network anytime resources are needed.


2. Software Sharing

Software sharing is another kind of sharing that is made simple here. Other network users can share a single PC running licensed software. It is not necessary to buy a separate license for every machine connected to the network. Everybody can operate under a single license.


3. Convenient Communication 

Users can easily exchange data and messages by using LANs. LAN users can view the data at any time because it is stored on the server. This is possible for any LAN user to do with other network users. 

 

Because of this, it not only saves a ton of time but also guarantees that the proper people receive the communications.


4. Centralized Data

As was previously noted, user data is kept on a centralized server. This data can be accessed from any workstation connected to that specific network. Additionally, people can log into their individual accounts to see their own set of data.


5. Improved Security

Data security is ensured because it is kept on a local server. All LAN users will be able to access the updated data on the server. Furthermore, the host can grant or refuse access to users within a certain network, enabling the implementation of extra security measures.


6. Internet Sharing

All LAN users can share an internet connection through LAN technology. Every computer linked to the internet shares the internet with that one solitary machine. Netcafés and offices both have this kind of infrastructure.


7. Computer Identification

Each computer on the LAN is given a MAC address for identifying purposes. Normally, data will be sent and received using this address. These data are kept inside the network adapter that is attached to the motherboard of current computers. 

 

Disadvantages of LAN

1. Implementation Cost

Although LANs save a great deal of money when it comes to sharing resources, setting up the network comes at a hefty initial cost. This is mostly because creating a server requires the use of specialized software. 

 

Additionally, during the first setup, physical equipment purchases such as routers, hubs, switches, and cables are necessary.
  

2. Security

Security problems are a major problem in LANs because programs and other forms of data can be accessed very easily. It is the exclusive responsibility of LAN administrators to prevent illegal access. 

 

The LAN administrator is responsible for ensuring that the centralized data is appropriately secured on the server by putting in place the appropriate rules and privacy policies.
  

3. Maintenance

System failure and hardware issues are commonplace with LANs. As a result, someone special is needed to handle these problems. The administrator must have extensive experience in networking and be employed full-time in the role. 

 

4. Policy Violations

 

Unauthorized users have access to all of the connected machines' downloads and browsing histories because all of the data is kept on a single central server. 

 

The authority to examine each and every LAN user's personal information specifically belongs to the LAN administrator. As such, this may result in policy violations. 

5. Area Coverage

LANs are typically designed to cover a small area, up to 10 km. It is most likely used in tiny spaces like banks, offices, and classrooms. This is because there is a limit to how far its cabling system may be extended.

6. Server Crashes

Every connected computer is managed by a central server that is part of the LAN architecture. All of the linked PCs are impacted if there is a problem with the server. For instance, data on the connected PCs cannot be accessed if the files on the server become corrupted.


7. Malware Spreading

It is extremely harmful for a virus to appear in a LAN-based architecture. A virus that affects one of the connected computers has the potential to quickly propagate to the other computers on the network.