A 'Local Area Network' (LAN) is the most basic form of network. It consists of two or more 'nodes' (network devices), connected together either directly, or through the use of a 'hub' or 'switch'. Within a LAN, all nodes can directly communicate with each other, without relying upon any intermediate devices for path information. When any node sends a 'broadcast' message, all nodes on the LAN receive it.
The simplest form of LAN is a cross-over Ethernet cable directly connecting two computers together.
Other types of networks include CampusAreaNetwork, MetropolitanAreaNetwork (MAN), WideAreaNetwork (WAN), and, of course, the Internet.
