Types of Local-Area Networks (LANs)

There are many different types of LANs, with Ethernets being the most common for PCs. Most Macintosh networks
are based on Apple's AppleTalk network system, which is bilt into Macintosh compters.
The following characteristics differentiate one LAN from another!
Topology! The geometric arrangement of de"ices on the network. #or e$ample, de"ices can be arranged in a ring
or in a straight line.
Protocols! The rles and encoding specifications for sending data. The protocols also determine whether the
network ses a peer%to%peer or client&ser"er architectre.
Media! 'e"ices can be connected by twisted%pair wire, coa$ial cables, or fiber optic cables. (ome networks do
withot connecting media altogether, commnicating instead "ia radio wa"es.