Need help from computer experts. Can i consider this as a LAN?

Question

Hello there.
I have this common question and makes me confuse a lot.
I have a Internet modem/DSL and a wireless router connected to it.
I have 2 PC's, iPad and a smartphone which is connected to the wireless router to get internet access on each devices.

So can i consider this as my own LAN?

And here is another thing.
I have 2 PC's right? which are both connected to the same network (if i am right about the LAN).
Will i able to to get files from each computers using the IP address in the terminal?

Sorry about the silly questions. hehe. educational purposes only.

Answer 1

WAN means Wide Area Network (not wireless area network). WLAN would mean Wireless LAN.



LAN is a "local area network" where all computers and devices are in the same local network based on IP address and netmask. They can communicate with each other directly without any routing. Whether wired or wireless, all devices behind the 2nd router are on the same LAN.



If the PC's are Windows, you need to enable Windows file and printer sharing and actually share one or more files or directories (or printer) for one PC to see anything on the other. Not sure about your iPad, but I think accessing it on WiFi may have something to do with iTunes (at least that is what my boss needed to back up his defective iPhone connected by USB).



If your smartphone is Android I have not looked for a Windows file and printer sharing app because if I need to get files from/to it I just USB it to a PC (WinXP needs driver from phone mfr, Win7 can automatically find one). Or for Linux I use ssh related scp or sftp over WiFi (on the phone I have SSH-Server app and AndFTP and ConnectBot client apps).

Answer 2

Each of your devices will get a different ip address from the router. You have to set up file sharing on your PC's.

Answer 3

Yes and No, its a WAN (Wireless Area Network) as well with your iPad and iPhone.





As long as you have two PC's connected with a cable then it is a LAN (Local Area Network.