LOS ALAMITOS, Calif., 30 September 2025 –
In 1975, research into local computer networks was in its infancy—a vastly different dynamic than today’s environment where networks power everyday lives. But for the IEEE Computer Society (CS) and the community that supports the IEEE Conference on Local Computer Networks (LCN), that was entirely the point. To this day, they strive to build a conference that adapts to the shifting research landscape and addresses global needs.
“Fifty years ago, it was the early stage of computers,” said Nils Aschenbruck, professor for distributed systems at Osnabrück University in Germany and member of the LCN Steering Committee. “Over the years, networks evolved and what we now call the Internet also evolved from these early local networks. Nowadays, the Internet is critical infrastructure, and that ensures LCN stays relevant.”
Frank Huebner, member of the LCN Steering Committee and former finance chair, concurred. “It used to be that LCN was centered around the internet protocols on the LAN, but LCN became pretty broad to address today’s issues. If you look at the program, you see networking, you see security, you see AI. It includes all of the latest topics.”
Because as today’s technologies evolve and bandwidth demands increase, networks have to shift with them to expand capacity, meet speed requirements, and ensure data security. With the support of IEEE CS and its Technical Community on Computer Communications (TCCC), LCN addresses these emerging topics in its sessions, workshops, demos, and more.
“LCN’s enduring relevance stems from its continuous evolution alongside technological advancements and application landscapes. The conference topics consistently adapt to reflect current trends in research, industry, and consumer interests, addressing the most pertinent issues of the time,” said Katrin Reitsma, director, strategic projects, critical communication networks at Motorola Solutions, and longtime LCN volunteer.
Institutional legacy
As LCN celebrates its 50th anniversary 14-16 October 2025, in Sydney, Australia, the community will bring with it an institutional legacy that spans multiple generations. From PhD candidates to distinguished professors and industry leaders, LCN draws together a close community of individuals traversing all levels of their professional journey.
For instance, speak with anyone who’s been involved in LCN about their first paper presentation at the conference and you will likely hear a story of a mentor or colleague encouraging the submission. “My PhD supervisor was involved in LCN, and he directed us to consider sending a paper submission and mine got accepted,” explained Aschenbruck. “So, I got involved, and now I have my own PhD students, and they are submitting papers to LCN.”
And this involvement comes full circle as new first-time attendees end up becoming more deeply engaged in the conference community.
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