Exam 7: Local Area Networks: Part I

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A local area network can be an effective tool in many application areas.One of the most common application areas is an office environment.A local area network in an office can provide word processing,spreadsheet operations,database functions,electronic mail (e-mail)access,Internet access,electronic appointment scheduling,and graphic image creation capabilities over a wide variety of platforms and to a large number of workstations.Completed documents can be routed to high-quality printers to produce letterheads,graphically designed newsletters,and formal documents.
A second common application area for a local area network is an academic environment.In a laboratory setting,for example,a local area network can provide students with access to the tools necessary to complete homework assignments,send e-mail,and utilize the Internet.In a classroom setting,a local area network can enable professors to deliver tutorials and lessons with high-quality graphics and sound to students.Multiple workstations can be used to provide students with instruction at their own pace,while the instructor monitors and records each student's progress at every workstation.
A third common application area for a local area network is manufacturing.In fact,modern assembly lines operate exclusively under the control of local area networks.As products move down the assembly line,sensors control position; robots perform mundane,exacting,or dangerous operations; and product subassemblies are inventoried and ordered.The modern automobile assembly line is a technological tour de force,incorporating numerous local area networks and mainframe computers.