Networking - WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

What is a WLAN?

A WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) is a type of LAN that uses radio waves (Wi-Fi) instead of physical cables to connect devices (laptops, phones, printers, IoT devices) within a limited area like a home, office, or campus.

It provides mobility and convenience compared to wired LANs.

How WLAN Works

Devices (laptops, phones) have wireless adapters that transmit/receive signals.
These connect to a Wireless Access Point (AP), usually built into a Wi-Fi router.
The AP connects to the wired LAN or internet.
Data is transmitted using radio frequencies (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz for Wi-Fi 6E).

Key WLAN Standards (IEEE 802.11 Family)

802.11b – Early Wi-Fi, 11 Mbps (2.4 GHz).
802.11g – 54 Mbps (2.4 GHz).
802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) – Up to 600 Mbps (2.4 & 5 GHz).
802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) – Up to several Gbps (5 GHz).
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6/6E) – Faster speeds, less congestion, supports 6 GHz band.

Features of WLAN

Coverage: Typically within 100–300 feet indoors (varies by router & walls).
Mobility: Users can move around freely without losing connection.
Scalability: Easy to add devices without new cabling.
Security: Uses encryption like WPA2, WPA3 to protect wireless traffic.

Advantages of WLAN

No cabling required (cost-saving, convenient).
Supports mobility (work from anywhere in range).
Easy to expand.

Disadvantages of WLAN

Less secure if not properly configured (susceptible to eavesdropping, hacking).
Limited range and interference (walls, microwaves, Bluetooth can cause issues).
Shared bandwidth — performance may drop with many users.

Real-Life Examples

Home Wi-Fi: Router gives wireless internet to phones, TVs, smart devices.
Enterprise WLAN: Multiple access points across offices for seamless roaming.
Public Hotspots: Airports, cafes, hotels offering Wi-Fi access.

In short: WLAN is like replacing office cables with invisible radio “threads”.
All devices are still connected to the same local network, but through wireless signals instead of Ethernet cables.