A PC-based local area network (LAN) is a high-speed, fault tolerant data network that connects servers, workstations, computers, printers and other connectivity devices that are located in close proximity to one another, as in the same building or group of buildings. LANs offer computer users many advantages, including shared access to devices and applications, file exchange and communication between users. If the computers are connected over a large metropolitan area it is called a metropolitan area network (MAN).