Define LAN, and discuss the most common types of LANs. Define which type of LAN is in use in the accompanying figure.

What will be an ideal response?

Student responses will vary, but should be drawn from the following information from the text.??Networks usually are classified as a local area network, metropolitan area network, wide area network, or personal area network. The main difference among these classifications is their area of coverage.?A local area network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area, such as a home, school, office building (Figure 10-3), or closely positioned group of buildings. Each computer or device on the network, called a node, often shares resources, such as printers, large hard drives, and programs. Often, the nodes are connected via cables.?A wireless LAN (WLAN) shown in the figure, is a LAN that uses no physical wires. Computers and devices that access a wireless LAN must have built-in wireless capability or the appropriate wireless network card, USB adapter, or other wireless device. A WLAN may communicate with a wired LAN for access to its resources, such as software, hardware, and the Internet.