Virtual Networks

Networks allow users to share resources such as printers, storage devices, and applications. Most businesses utilize a local area network (LAN) to connect users. Typically, LANs are just that—the cables or wireless devices that connect users are local to a specific office, building, or campus, as shown in FIGURE 8-10.

An illustration shows four users, a printer, a fax machine, and a file server all connected in a local area network.

FIGURE 8-10 LANs are designed to allow users to share resources within a localized environment such as a home, business, office building, or small campus.

Often, users who travel and users who work from remote locations must connect to the company’s LAN in order to accomplish specific tasks. In such cases, the ...

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