lähivõrk

A lähivõrk, or local area network, is a computer network that covers a small geographic area such as a home, office building, or campus. It allows devices such as computers, printers, servers, and smart appliances to communicate with one another and share resources like files, printers, and internet connections. The term originates from Estonian language, but the concept is identical to LANs worldwide.

Typical hardware components of a lähivõrk include switches, routers, access points, and network interface cards. Switches manage traffic within the same VLAN by forwarding frames only to the intended ports, while routers direct traffic between different networks. Wireless access points enable mobile devices to join the network over Wi‑Fi using IEEE 802.11 standards. A central router usually connects the local network to the wider internet through a modem or broadband gateway.

Protocols that commonly operate within a lähivõrk include TCP/IP for communication, DHCP for automatic IP address assignment, ARP for mapping IP addresses to MAC addresses, and DNS for name resolution. Multicast and broadcast traffic are also used for discovery services and services such as network time protocol (NTP).

Security on localized networks typically involves firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and authentication mechanisms such as WPA3 for Wi‑Fi. Network segmentation or VLANs can isolate sensitive devices or services from the rest of the LAN, reducing attack surfaces. Regular software updates and patch management are crucial to mitigate vulnerabilities.

Lähivõrgus are employed in many contexts: residential setups to allow streaming and gaming; small businesses for shared printers and storage; and educational institutions for classroom connectivity. Their small scale, low latency, and flexibility make them a foundational element of broader network infrastructures.