| 1. | a system for linking private telecommunications equipment, as in a building or cluster of buildings. |
| 2. | Computers. a system for linking a number of microcomputers, terminals, work stations, etc. with each other or with a mainframe computer in order to share data, printers, information, programs, disks, etc.; usually confined to one office or building. Compare network (def. 6). |
LAN  (lān)   (click for larger image in new window) n. A system that links together electronic office equipment, such as computers and word processors, and forms a network within an office or building. [l(ocal) a(rea) n(etwork).] |
| LAN (lān) Pronunciation Key
Short for local area network. A network that links together computers and peripheral equipment within a limited area, such as a building or a group of buildings. The computers in an LAN have independent central processing units, but they are able to exchange data with each other and to share resources such as printers. See also client/server network, peer-to-peer network. |
| local area network (lō'kəl) Pronunciation Key
See LAN. |
LAN
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