Local Area Network (LAN)

Security+ 🏆 • Network Security 🌐 • Difficulty: free

Definition

A Local Area Network is a network that connects devices within a limited area such as a home, office, school, or building. LANs typically use Ethernet and switches, enabling devices to communicate quickly and share resources like printers, servers, and internet access.

Examples

  • Office PCs and printers connect to the same LAN so employees can access shared files and print locally.
  • A home router and switch connect laptops, phones, and smart devices on a single LAN before traffic goes to the internet.

Discover 🔎

A LAN is the “local” part of networking. It is where most everyday devices live and communicate, usually at high speed and low latency. From a security perspective, a LAN is important because it is often treated as trusted by default. Many attacks take advantage of that assumption. If an attacker gets onto your LAN, they can often discover devices, attempt credential attacks, and move laterally unless segmentation and controls are in place.

Remember: The LAN is not automatically safe just because it is inside a building. Security depends on segmentation, authentication, and monitoring.
Open the interactive lesson Browse more topics

Tip: The interactive version includes progress tracking, decks, and premium deep dives.