|  | 3.4 | Building LANs
| 3.4.1 | Readiness to build a small network
Before you can build a LAN such as that in the main graphic, you must start with a simpler LAN - to learn how it functions and the types of problems that it can encounter. Therefore, you will build a series of smaller LANs. Think of them as pieces of a complex topology. In this pre-lab you will do some sketching, drawing, and planning in preparation for the network labs. You will learn proper handling techniques and "rules of thumb" for using network equipment. You will also draw a physical topology of a network, including all the network symbols. All of this will demonstrate your understanding of a physical topology as an illustration of how a networking device is actually wired. It is the beginning of network documentation, and is an extremely important skill that you will practice repeatedly.