Local Area Network

A Local Area Network (often shortened to LAN) consists of multiple computers or game systems connected, each unit acting as a cross between a server and a client, forming a cluster that is only accessed by itself. LANs can be set up with hardware as simple as a switch.

LAN Parties
Common during the era of Quake, gamers would often assemble at a location (computers included) and link them together. These parties would often last for hours on end, its participants finally dispersing when either the refreshments ran out or people began to fall asleep on their keyboards.