Edexcel IGCSE ICT · Networks
Local Area Networks (LAN)
Big idea: a LAN lets computers in one building share stuff — printers, files, internet, security — and whether a "boss" server manages it (client-server) or everyone manages themselves (peer-to-peer) is the single biggest decision that shapes everything else about the network.
Summary — The Whole Chapter in One Look
- LAN = a network confined to one site (one building or a small group of nearby buildings), connecting devices so they can share resources.
- Benefits of a LAN: shared peripherals, shared internet, files accessible from any networked computer, easier communication, shared files/folders, centralised backups/updates/security, media streaming.
- Drawbacks of a LAN: higher security risk, malware can spread across the whole network, a central point of failure (server/switch dies → everyone's stuck), performance drops as more users/data pile on.
- Peer-to-peer network: no server — every computer ("peer") is equal and manages its own files, backups, security and printer access. Typical of home networks.
- Client-server network: a dedicated server does specific jobs (internet access, printing, email, backups, security) for many "client" computers, which connect via a switch. Typical of schools and businesses.
- Each model has a clear advantages/disadvantages trade-off — cost and simplicity vs. control and security.
1. Benefits & Drawbacks of a LAN
What actually is a LAN?
Picture your school. Every classroom has computers, the office has computers, the library has computers — and they're all wired (or wirelessly connected) together within that one site. That whole set-up is a Local Area Network. The key word is local: everything is close together, usually in one building or a small cluster of buildings owned by the same organisation. This is different from a Wide Area Network (WAN), which spans cities, countries, or the entire planet (the internet itself is the biggest WAN of all) — but that's a topic for another day.
Once computers are connected like this, something powerful happens: instead of every single computer needing its own printer, its own internet connection, and its own copy of every file, they can all share those things. That sharing is really the entire point of a LAN, and it's exactly what the exam wants you to be able to explain.
Core Idea to Remember
A LAN's value comes from sharing — hardware (peripherals), software, files, internet access, and management (backups/security) — instead of duplicating everything on every machine.
Benefits of a LAN — explained, not just listed
The specification lists seven benefits. Don't just memorise the words — understand why each one saves time, money, or hassle. Here they are, expanded:
1. Sharing peripherals (e.g. printers). Without a network, every computer needs its own printer — expensive, and most of those printers sit idle most of the day. On a LAN, one good printer can serve an entire office or classroom. Cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain, and better used.
2. Shared access to the internet. One internet connection (one router/modem) can be shared across every device on the LAN, rather than every computer needing its own separate subscription and hardware.
3. Access files from any computer on the network.
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4. Easier communication.
5. Sharing files and folders.
7. Media streaming.
Memory Hook