A LAN party is a social gathering of participants with personal computers or compatible game consoles, where a local area network (LAN) connection is established between the devices using a router or switch, primarily for the purpose of playing multiplayer video games together. LAN party events differ significantly from LAN gaming centers and Internet cafes in that LAN parties generally require participants to bring your own computer (BYOC) and are not permanent installations, often taking place in general-use venues or residences.
A LAN party in the Netherlands (2003)
A console-based private LAN party
A photo from the world's largest LAN party, DreamHack
A typical home or small office router, which commonly comes equipped with 4 LAN Ethernet ports
A party is a gathering of people who have been invited by a host for the purposes of socializing, conversation, recreation, or as part of a festival or other commemoration or celebration of a special occasion. A party will often feature food and beverages, and often conversation, music, dancing, or other forms of entertainment.
A September 1945 street party in Selborne Road, Margate, celebrating victory in the Second World War
A birthday cake with lit novelty candles
Children at a birthday party
A formal dinner party as sketched in 1920 by reporter-artist Marguerite Martyn