According to the DISA briefing, no unit or command will be allowed to connect a local- or wide-area network to NIPRNET until the network goes through a formal connection approval process.

CNN: DOD overhauls network to thwart hackers

They can also be used to transfer data, such as MP3 files, from one computer to another--or even to a home entertainment center--over a local area network.

FORBES: Cisco's Push For VoIP

My car, outfitted with a GPS position finder and an off-the-shelf wireless local area network (WLAN) communication system, was tipped off by another car carrying the same gear.

CNN: Behold the?all-seeing, self-parking, safety-enforcing, networked car

The company, which provides phones that work off a wireless local area network (WLAN)--a Wi-Fi network designed for the workplace--had recently acquired KIRK Telecom, a privately held Danish provider of wireless communications products.

FORBES: Polycom Links Up

With the Slingbox 500 and a smartphone installed with the SlingPlayer app on the same local area network, photos and videos are synced automatically -- from the phone to USB drive.

ENGADGET: Slingboxes get My Media syncing to USB, Companion iPad app for at-home viewing