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Glite Dictionary
local area network

local area network

1 3.5
A network that connects computers and devices in one building like an office
  • noun
  • /ˈloʊkəl ˈɛəriə ˈnɛtˌwɜrk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : red de área local
  • The office uses a local area network to connect all computers for better collaboration.
  • local area network (LAN)
  • wireless local area network
  • local area network system

Examples

  • Students taking an introductory IT course, for example, build a computer, install the operating system, connect the machine to a set of peripherals, plug the system into a local area network, and then link the whole thing to the internet.

    Academic text (2007)

  • The main computer was connected to the subject computer via a local area network (LAN) interface with the use of standard networking protocols for two-way communication.

    Academic text (2001)

  • In corporate headquarters, a local area network has been installed.

    Academic text (2002)

  • Hooked into a local area network, the system can receive engineering requests over e-mail.

    Academic text (2001)

  • Presentations are made to the class by an administrator of a local area network and by various industry representatives.

    Academic text (1991)

  • After the students complete the course, they will have installed and used a "sub-LAN" and a local area network.

    Academic text (1991)

  • The computer-mediated communication condition was implemented using a local area network of IBM PC-ATs.

    Academic text (1992)

  • Local area networks (LANs) enable multiple departments at one institution to participate in a single process.

    Academic text (1996)

  • The system will be supported by a high-speed local area network that will provide network configuration tools, collaborative work tools, and multi-window scratchpads.

    Academic text (1990)

  • When we have a local area network, then all of us in this room can connect to it and can talk, but nobody's going to be able to surveil that unless they're here.

Synonyms

computer network
vslocal area network
  • Specialized
19 2.8

A group of computers and devices that are connected to share files and printers

is narrower referring only to systems confined to a small physical space
LAN
vslocal area network
  • Specialized
11 3.4

A group of computers and devices in one building that share files and printers

is the full phrase used instead of the abbreviated form
WLAN
vslocal area network
  • Specialized
1 3.7

A wireless network that connects devices in a building or campus

is the broader term for small space systems that can use wires or radio
wireless local area network
vslocal area network
  • Specialized
4.2

A system that sends data over short distances without wires, like in an office

is the general small space system that may use wires or wireless links

Antonyms

wide area network
  • Specialized
1 3.3

A system that links groups of computers in different cities or countries

How Wide

metroplex
  • US
2 7.4
wide area network
  • Specialized
1 3.3
local area network
  • Specialized
1 3.5

Surface Forms

local area network singular
local area networks plural

Morphology

local + area + network

The meaning is directly compositional: 'local' + 'area' + 'network' clearly refers to a network confined to a specific area, so a learner who knows the constituent words can infer it. This noun-compound pattern is common cross-linguistically (e.g. Spanish 'red de área local'/'red local'), so a B1 learner familiar with the component meanings will understand the MWE.

Etymology

The term local area network paints a simple picture: local means 'nearby', area means 'a small place like an office', and network means many devices connected, like a web of computers and printers in one building. So it means a computer network that connects devices within a limited place.