What describes a LAN?

A Local Area Network (LAN) is designed to connect computers and peripheral devices that are situated in close proximity, such as within a single building or a group of buildings. This allows for high-speed data transfer and resource sharing among the connected devices. In a LAN, not only can computers communicate with one another, but they can also share resources like printers and storage devices effectively.

When devices are located in close physical proximity, a LAN facilitates efficient networking, typically using Ethernet cabling or wireless technologies to establish connections. This setup is ideal for organizations that require fast and reliable communication between devices and allows for centralized management and security protocols.

The other descriptions focus on different types of networking configurations or topologies, which do not accurately define a LAN's primary characteristics. For instance, a central switching system pertains more to a PBX or VoIP system rather than a LAN, and a closed loop or passing data in one direction describes a different kind of network structure, specifically a ring topology. Linking all computers to a central host might refer more to a client-server model, which isn't the defining trait of a LAN, as LANs can also operate in peer-to-peer configurations.