What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of LAN in Computer Network?

Following are the advantages and disadvantages of LAN −

Advantages of LAN

There are various advantages of LAN, which are as follows −

• Inexpensive transmission media.
• It can simplify the physical association of a device to the media.
• It is used to high data transmission rates.
• Network data transmission is independent of the connected devices rates, making it accessible for the one-speed device to send data to another speed device.
• A large rate of interconnection between devices.
• Each connected device has the potential to interact with another device on the network.
• It is flexible and growth-oriented.
• It allows file locking.
• It provides full proof of the security system against illegal access to data.
• LANs are a productivity tool. In the case of business, a LAN should be an apparent contributor to raised profitability.

Disadvantages of LAN

There are various disadvantages to LAN, which are as follows −

• LAN software needed a memory area in each of the mainframe used on the network. This decreases the memory space available for the user’s program.
• Local area networking adds another phase of difficulty to the computer operation. Users can have a problem in understanding the network commands. The installation and authority of a LAN require far more technical and regulatory skills than installing and handling multiple computers that are not networked.
• Some security system should be executed if it is essential to protect private data.
• Some control on the part of the customer is lost. We have to share a printer with different customers.
• Some current application programs will not run in a network environment.