A local area network (LAN) connects devices within a small geographic area like a home or office building. Devices on a LAN share network resources through a common communication line or wireless link. Basic networking hardware like hubs, switches, bridges and routers help connect devices on a LAN and manage traffic. Wired LANs commonly use twisted pair or fiber optic cable, while wireless LANs transmit over radio frequencies. The document provides examples of home and business LAN configurations using these basic networking concepts and components.