What Is Wireless LAN and why WLAN?

What Is Wireless LAN?

 Wireless LAN or WLAN is the linking of more devices without the use of wires. A wireless network uses radio waves, just like cell phones, televisions and radios do. In fact, communication across a wireless network is a lot like two-way radio communication. It gives users the mobility to move around within abroad coverage area & still be connected to the network.

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WHY  WIRELESS  LAN ?

Previously Ethernet LANs was used, which was very costly, messy & movement of those LANs was difficult. To reduce this problems related to Wired LANs the concept of Wireless LAN has evolved. This is very much cost effective, less messy &movement of this LANs are very easy because in this type of LANs, problems related to wires are removed.

Components

  If you already have several computers networked in your home, you can create a wireless network with a wireless access point. If you have several computers that are not networked, or if you want to replace your Ethernet network, you'll need a wireless router. This is a single unit that contains:

1.     A port to connect to your cable or DSL modem

2.     A router

3.     An Ethernet hub

4.     A firewall

5.     A wireless access point

A wireless router allows you to use wireless signals or Ethernet cables to connect your computers and mobile devices to one another, to a printer and to the Internet. Most routers provide coverage for about 100 feet (30.5 meters) in all directions, although walls and doors can block the signal. If your home is very large, you can buy inexpensive range extenders or repeaters to increase your router's range.H

How It works?  

Here's what happens:

1.     A computer's wireless adapter translates data into a radio signal and transmits it using an antenna.

2.     A wireless router receives the signal and decodes it. The router sends the information to the Internet using a physical, wired Ethernet connection.

The process also works in reverse, with the router receiving information from the Internet, translating it into a radio signal and sending it to the computer's wireless adapter.

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TYPES OF WLAN 

There are two types of WLAN:-

1.)IEEE 802.11

802.11b

802.11a

802.11g

2.)Bluetooth

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ADVANTAGES  &  DISADVANTAGES OF WLAN 

Advantages

i)                   Convenience

ii)                Productivity

iii)               Deployment

iv)              Expandability

v)                 Cost

Disadvantages

i)                   Security

ii)                 Range

iii)               Reliability

iv)              Speed