LAN – know that these are often owned and controlled/managed by a single…

The idea

A LAN (Local Area Network) covers a small geographical area such as one building, office or school. Because the equipment sits on one site, the network is often owned and controlled or managed by a single person or organisation. That owner decides who can connect, sets passwords and permissions, and maintains the cabling, switch and wireless access point. For example, a company owns the routers and switches in its office and its IT staff manage user accounts. In a multiple-choice question, the correct option should link a LAN to a small area and to ownership or management by one person or organisation, rather than to shared public infrastructure.

What earns the marks

• A LAN covers a small geographical area such as a single building, office or school.
• A LAN is often owned by a single person or organisation.
• That owner controls or manages the network, for example setting access permissions and maintaining equipment.
• The equipment, such as switches and access points, is typically on one site and managed locally.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Choosing an option that says a LAN spans several countries.

  Put it right: That describes a WAN, because a LAN is limited to a small area.

• Assuming nobody manages a LAN.

  Put it right: The owner, such as a company or school, controls and manages it.

• Confusing ownership with public infrastructure.

  Put it right: A LAN is usually owned by one person or organisation, not shared across many unrelated users.

Exam tips

• Reject options that mention large geographical areas, since those point to a WAN rather than a LAN.
• Look for the option that names a single owner or organisation controlling the network.
• Check that the option combines a small area with local ownership or management before selecting it.