Glossary

LAN - See local area network.

Laser - From the acronym for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation." A laser usually consists of a light-amplifying medium placed between two mirrors. Light not perfectly aligned with the mirrors escapes out the sides, but light perfectly aligned will be amplified. One mirror is made partially transpar-ent. The result is an amplified beam of light that emerges through the partially transparent mirror.

last mile - See local loop.

LATA - See local access transport area.

local access transport area (LATA) - The geographical areas defining local telephone ser-vice. Any call within a LATA is handled by the local telephone company, but calls between LATAs must be handled by long-distance companies, even if the same local telephone company provides service in both LATAs.

local area network (LAN) - A network connecting a number of computers to each other or to a central server so that the computers can share programs and files.

Local exchange carrier (LEC) - A local telephone company. LECs provide telephone service for phone calls originating and terminating within a single LATA.

local loop - The copper lines between a customer's premises and a telephone company's central office (See central office).