Local Area Network A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects computers within a small geographic area, such as a building. These computers usually then share the resources of a single processor or server within that building. It can serve just one or two users (eg; in a home network) or up to several thousand. A LAN server can also be used as a web server as long as certain security precautions are put in place to ensure data and applications are safe from external access.
		At times a Wireless LAN may be the best option since it can often be cheaper to install and maintain. Read more here Wide Area Network A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that connects computers spread over a larger geographical area, such as a city or country. A WAN can transmit information by telephone line, microwave or satellite, and the term WAN usually means that there is some involvement of one or more public (shared user) networks.

Advantages of Networks

Share Information

Networks let you easily share data and programs. You can exchange documents, electronic mail, video, sound and images.

Share Equipment

Computers connected to a network can share equipment, such as a printer or modem.

Work Away From the Office

Whether travelling or working at home, you can connect to the network at work to exchange messages and files.

Eliminate "Sneakernet"

"Sneakernet" is a jargon term for the act of carrying data personally from one place to another, say, on a floppy disk or CD-ROM. The key thing is that you do this in your shoes (or sneakers) A computer network eliminates the need for "sneakernet".