According to OneNorthwest, a LAN is a group of computers connected for the purpose of sharing resources. Computers on a LAN can exchange files with each other, and share common hardware, such as printers and modems. The computers on a local area network are typically joined by a single transmission cable and are located within a small area such as a single building or section of a building. LANs can in turn be connected to other LANs, forming a WAN, or connected to the Internet.