ORking> (LAN) A data communications netwORk which is geographically limited (typically to a 1 km radius) allowing easy interconnection of terminals, microprocessORs and computers within adjacent buildings. Ethernet and FDDI are examples of standard LANs. Because the netwORk is known to cover only a small area, optimisations can be made in the netwORk signal protocols that permit data rates up to 100Mb/s. See also token ring, wide area netwORk, {metropolitan area netwORk}.. Usenet newsgroup: news:comp.dcom.lans.misc. (1995-03-13)