A Local Area Network (LAN) allows computing equipment to share information from any device on a network with other devices on the same network. Uses for LANs in schools include sharing printers and programs, centralized file sharing, access to library databases and catalog, cost-effective connection to external networks, electronic mail, school bulletin boards, and sending and receiving faxes. A LAN provides a school information system for administrators, teachers, students, parents and the community. School district uses for LANs include all of those uses in schools, particularly file sharing for student information, transmission of records, electronic mail and shared use of one district connection to the Internet. Common types of LANs are Ethernet and Token Ring; Ethernet predominates because it is easily designed and is composed of data transfer devices which are less expensive than similar Token Ring devices. There are many aspects of LAN design to consider when developing a technology plan for a school building or school district. These considerations include cabling medium, wiring plan, network and electrical outlets, furniture and fixture location, and potential use of space. An additional factor in design planning is the number of network connections per room; the needs of regular, special, technology, and computing classrooms should be considered, as well as the library, administrative offices and other offices. (AEF)