Local area connections is a phrase most often associated with Microsoft Windows Operating System(s).
Typically, computers running Windows are connected to a local area network (LAN). When you install Windows, your network adapter is detected, and a local area connection is created. It appears, like all other connection types, in the Network Connections folder. By default, a local area connection is always activated. A local area connection is the only type of connection that is automatically created and activated. [Source: Windows Product Documentation]