What is the primary characteristic of a Local Area Network (LAN)?

A Local Area Network (LAN) is primarily characterized by the proximity of the devices it connects. Specifically, computers and peripheral devices within a LAN are typically located relatively close to each other, often within the same building or a group of buildings. This close geographical arrangement allows for high-speed data transfer and low latency, which is a key feature of LANs.

Due to this characteristic, LANs are commonly used in environments like homes, schools, and small to medium-sized businesses, where users benefit from fast communication and resource sharing, such as printers or internet access. The connection over a limited area minimizes the complexity of setup and maintenance, in contrast to wider network types that span larger distances.