Local area networks: Local area networks — An interconnection of computers and peripherals in adjacent rooms or buildings — Can provide cost-effective communications

The proliferation of computers of all sizes — from personal computers to business computer systems — has created a need for these systems to interact effectively with one another despite their very different technical specifications. Within short distances (10 kilometers or less), local area networks — systems of computers and peripherals connected together in adjacent rooms and buildings — are the current trend [Fig. 1]. The ultimate goal of these systems is for any computer or intelligent device, such as a video display terminal, printer, phone, text editor, facsimile machine, or telex, to communicate with a similar device on the network or to share resources. Uses to which LANs are put include word processing, file accessing and transfer, teleconferencing, electronic mail, and so on. Communication occurs within the network or with other local networks by means of gateways.