What does a WLAN do?
Today, as we explore the world of wireless communication, let’s take a deeper look into what a WLAN actually does. If you’ve been following along, you already know how LTE and other technologies rely on different access methods to deliver connectivity. Now, when we shift our attention toward WLAN—Wireless Local Area Network—things become more relatable to what you and I use daily at home, in offices, or at public places like cafes and airports.
I want you to picture this: when you connect your phone or laptop to Wi-Fi, you’re using a WLAN. But it’s not just about getting internet; it’s about how that connection is made, shared, and managed wirelessly across devices. Let me explain it to you step-by-step so it’s easy to grasp.
Basic Functions of a WLAN
WLAN is designed to provide wireless network access over a limited area using radio waves. It connects devices like laptops, smartphones, printers, and tablets to a local network without physical cables. Here’s how it works:
- It replaces the need for Ethernet cables using radio signals (usually based on IEEE 802.11 standards).
- Allows multiple devices to connect to the same network wirelessly.
- Gives access to shared resources like printers, file storage, and internet connectivity.
So when you and I use Wi-Fi, we’re interacting with a WLAN, and it’s the invisible layer that handles communication between our devices and the router.
How a WLAN Operates
At the heart of any WLAN is the Access Point (AP). This device acts like a bridge between wireless devices and the wired network (often the internet). Here’s a basic overview of what happens when you connect your device:
| Component | Role in WLAN |
|---|---|
| Access Point (AP) | Broadcasts wireless signal and connects devices to the network. |
| Client Devices | Smartphones, laptops, etc., which connect to AP via Wi-Fi. |
| Router | Forwards traffic between local network and the internet. |
| Switch/Modem | Connects to external networks or ISP to provide internet access. |
The Access Point sends out beacon frames regularly to announce its presence, and your device scans for these signals. Once it finds a known SSID (the network name), it attempts to connect. You enter a password (if required), and then you’re part of the WLAN.
Why WLAN is Useful for You and Me
I know you’re probably thinking—why not just use mobile data? Well, WLAN offers advantages that cellular networks don’t always match:
- Higher speeds over short distances compared to mobile networks.
- No data limits if it’s your private connection.
- Better stability indoors where LTE or 5G signals may be weak.
- Local file sharing between devices on the same WLAN without needing internet.
As we discussed earlier in topics like LTE core networks and access nodes, WLANs play a complementary role in modern networks. You often see them used in Wi-Fi offloading strategies where mobile data traffic is shifted to WLANs to reduce cellular load.
In future articles, I’ll help you understand how WLAN security works and how it integrates with enterprise networks using features like WPA3 and seamless handovers. But for now, this should give you a clear idea of what WLAN really does and how you and I benefit from it daily.