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Definition

Local area network where some or all devices (servers, clients, printers, etc.) are interconnected via microwave radio signals (usual range 130 feet) or in-line infrared beams (usual range 80 feet) instead of cables or wires. Data transfer rate of WLAN is impeded by walls and electromagnetic interference (EMI) by other electrical and electronic devices. Technologies such as spread spectrum can extend the range to 800 feet and beyond, and may overcome the limitations imposed by EMI.

Wireless LAN’s allow greater flexibility and portability than the traditional wired LAN, that the wired LAN requires a wire to connect a user’s computer to a network

But the WLAN connects computer to a network using an access point devices. This access point communicates with devices equipped with wireless network adaptors and it connects to a wired Ethernet LAN. This access point devices have a coverage area up to 300 feet (approximately 100 meters).

WIRELESS LAN COMPONENTS:

A Wireless LAN comprises two types of equipments.

1) A wireless station

2) Access point

A wireless stations are equipped with wireless networks interface card (NIC).Access points are base station for the wireless networks, they transmit and receive radio frequency to communicate with wireless devices. Wireless clients can be mobile device such as laptops, personal digital assistants, I phones and fixed devices such as desktops and workstation that are equipped with the wireless network interface (NIC).

Nowadays WLAN are becoming popular in more wide range of business customers. For example:

• Hospitals, Universities, Hotels, retail shops are using this wireless technology to conduct their daily business operations.

BENEFITS: Wireless LAN’s offer five primary benefits

USER MOBILITY: Users can access files, network resources and internet without physically connected network to the wires.

RAPID INSTALLATION:The installation time is very less because the network connection can be made without adding wires, or pulling it through walls or ceiling, or making modification to the infrastructure cable plant.

REDUCED COSTS:

The initial investment of wireless LAN is little higher than the wired LAN, but there is no need of installation charges and the wiring charges.

SCALABILITY:
WLAN network topologies can easily be configured to meet specific application and installation needs and to scale from small peer to peer network to very large enterprise network that enable roaming over a broad area.

FLEXIBILITY:
Users can quickly install a small WLAN for temporary needs such as a conference, tradeshow or in the meetings. It is flexible so we can take WLAN in our necessary locations.

So Wireless LAN’s is best to fit your computers or devices to communicate over a network.