A local area network (LAN) is a computer network hat interconnects computers in a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory,  office building.

The defining characteristics of LANs, in contrast to wide area network (WAN), include their usually higher data transfer rates, smaller geographic area, and lack of a need for leased telecommunication lines.

Ethernet over twisted pair cabling, and Wi-Fi are the two most common technologies currently used to build LANs