Source : WordNet®

local area network
     n : a local computer network for communication between
         computers; especially a network connecting computers and
         word processors and other electronic office equipment to
         create a communication system between offices [syn: {LAN}]

Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

local area network
     
         (LAN) A data communications network which is
        geographically limited (typically to a 1 km radius) allowing
        easy interconnection of terminals, {microprocessor}s and
        computers within adjacent buildings.  {Ethernet} and {FDDI}
        are examples of standard LANs.
     
        Because the network is known to cover only a small area,
        optimisations can be made in the network signal protocols that
        permit data rates up to 100Mb/s.
     
        See also {token ring}, {wide area network}, {metropolitan area
        network}..
     
        {Usenet} newsgroup: {news:comp.dcom.lans.misc}.
     
        (1995-03-13)