A local network, often referred to as a Local Area Network (LAN), is a group of connected devices within a limited geographic area, such as a home, office, or building, enabling resource sharing and communication. It typically uses Ethernet or Wi-Fi technology to connect computers, printers, and other devices, facilitating efficient data exchange and internet access within the networked environment.
Network protocols are standardized rules that govern how data is transmitted and received across networks, ensuring reliable and secure communication between different devices and systems. They are essential for interoperability, enabling diverse devices and applications to communicate seamlessly within and across networks.
Multicast DNS (mDNS) is a protocol that allows devices on the same local network to perform DNS-like operations without the need for a conventional DNS server. It is primarily used for service discovery and name resolution in environments where a central DNS server is not available, such as in home or small office networks.
Link-Local Multicast refers to the use of multicast addresses to enable communication between devices on the same local network segment without requiring a router to forward the messages. This is commonly used for tasks such as network discovery and configuration where devices need to communicate with multiple peers efficiently within a local network environment.