Lesson 1 - LAN Data Link Protocols

   Introduction

When networking professionals say "LAN protocol," they usually mean the protocols that operate at the OSI Data Link Layer. These protocols determine the basic operation of a network, because they control how data flows between nodes. In this lesson, we will learn why it was necessary to develop specific protocols for LANs, and understand the technical problems that any LAN protocol must address.

   Objectives

At the end of this lesson you will be able to:

1.	Describe what "medium access control" means, and why it is important
2.	Describe the two main approaches to medium access control
3.	Name the corporations and organizations that played key roles in the development of today's LAN protocols

Key Point
LAN protocols differ in the method of medium access control they use.

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