Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

What is a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)?

A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a method of wirelessly distributing network connectivity to multiple devices within a localized area. WLANs use high-frequency radio waves and often include an access point (AP) to the Internet, without the need for physical wired connections. A WLAN allows users to move around the coverage area – such as a home, office, or campus while maintaining a network connection.

WLAN should not be confused with the Wi-Fi Alliance’s Wi-Fi trademark. The terms WLAN and Wi-Fi are often used interchangeably. However, Wi-Fi is a subset of WLANs. WLANs can be built using numerous technologies, including Wi-Fi, cellular networks, or Bluetooth.

A WLAN is sometimes called a local area wireless network (LAWN).

Techopedia Explains the WLAN Meaning

WLAN stands for wireless local area network, meaning a type of network that enables devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets to communicate with each other and access the Internet wirelessly (i.e., without physical cable connections).

WLANs are commonly used in homes, offices, schools, and other public spaces like coffee shops and hotels to connect devices to the Internet.

WLAN History

In the early 1990s, WLANs were expensive and used only when wired connections were impractical. By the late 1990s, most WLAN solutions were replaced by IEEE 802.11 standards, leading to a significant drop in WLAN prices.

Technology advancements made WLANs easier to set up and administer. This led to the rise of Internet service providers (ISPs), coordinating numerous local networks.

Innovation in peer-to-peer (P2P) WLANs allows connectivity without a defined access point. As the Internet of Things (IoT) grows, WLANs provide subnetworks for local Wi-Fi connectivity.

How WLAN Works

Every component that connects to a WLAN is considered a station and falls into one of two categories: access points (APs) and clients.

• APs transmit and receive radio frequency signals with devices able to receive such signals; they normally function as routers.
• Clients may include a variety of devices, such as desktop computers, workstations, laptop computers, cellular phones, and smartphone devices.

All stations able to communicate with each other are called basic service sets (BSSs), of which there are two types: independent and infrastructure.

• Independent BSS: Two clients communicate without using access points, but cannot connect to any other BSS. Such WLANs are called peer-to-peer or ad-hoc WLANs.
• Infrastructure BSS: May communicate with other stations but only in other BSSs, and it must use access points.

Types of WLAN

WLAN vs. Wi-Fi

How to Create a WLAN

By definition, WLANs enable devices to communicate with each other and access the Internet wirelessly. However, there are different ways to create a WLAN. The configuration largely depends on specific needs such as the coverage area, number of devices, and desired features (e.g., security, speed).

The most common WLAN used today is Wi-Fi. In this setup, the ISP’s modem is the access point and the router. All the consumer has to do is plug in the Wi-Fi router, use the provided security passwords, and connect devices to the home WLAN.

Is WLAN Secure?

WLAN signals are prone to illegitimate access, and security breaches may compromise network operations and availability. However, with a combination of authentication, encryption, firewalls, and access control techniques, WLANs can be relatively secure.

WLAN security measures include:

• Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)
• Pre-Shared Key (PSK)
• MAC Address Filtering
• Network Firewalls
• Virtual Private Network (VPN)
• Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 / 3 (WPA2/WPA3)

WLAN Pros and Cons

The Bottom Line

Wireless local area networks provide internet access for devices within a designated coverage area. While Wi-Fi is the most widely used WLAN today, there are other ways to configure a WLAN, depending on specific needs and desired features. WLANs require security measures like authentication, encryption, firewalls, and access control to mitigate security risks.

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