What is meant by a WLAN?
Today, I want to help you understand what a WLAN is and how it works, especially if you’re already familiar with topics like LTE, carrier aggregation, or radio access technologies we’ve discussed earlier. Just like LTE handles wide-area connectivity using cellular towers, WLAN takes care of wireless connections over shorter distances—typically in homes, offices, or public spaces.
WLAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network. It’s a type of local area network that uses radio signals instead of wired connections to link devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and printers within a limited area. In simple terms, it’s what allows you to connect to the internet using Wi-Fi at home, at work, or in a café.
Key Components of a WLAN
Let me explain you the typical components that make up a WLAN. Understanding each of these will help you get the full picture of how WLAN functions:
- Access Point (AP): This is the central device that broadcasts the wireless signal. It’s usually built into your Wi-Fi router. It acts as the bridge between your wired internet connection and your wireless devices.
- Wireless Clients: These are devices like your phone, laptop, or tablet that connect to the WLAN using Wi-Fi.
- Router: Often combined with the access point, the router routes traffic between your WLAN and the internet.
- SSID (Service Set Identifier): This is simply the name of your wireless network that you see when connecting your device.
WLAN vs. LAN
Now let’s compare WLAN to a traditional LAN so you can clearly see the difference. This quick table should help:
| Aspect | WLAN | LAN |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | Wireless (radio signals) | Wired (Ethernet cables) |
| Mobility | High, as users can move freely | Low, fixed by cable connections |
| Installation | Easy, no cabling required | More complex, needs structured wiring |
| Speed | Generally lower than wired | Usually faster and more stable |
How WLAN Works
When you power on a device with Wi-Fi enabled, it searches for available wireless networks. It detects the SSIDs being broadcast by nearby access points. You then select the one you want to connect to, enter the password (if it’s secured), and you’re in. From that point on, data is sent between your device and the router using radio waves, typically in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency bands.
As we discussed in earlier topics like LTE frequency bands and interference, frequencies matter a lot—even in WLAN. For example, 2.4 GHz provides better coverage but is more prone to interference, while 5 GHz offers faster speeds with a shorter range. Understanding this lets you troubleshoot connection issues more effectively.
Types of WLANs
You might also hear about different WLAN types. Here’s a quick list to give you clarity:
- Infrastructure Mode: The most common setup where all devices connect through an access point.
- Ad Hoc Mode: A peer-to-peer setup where devices communicate directly without an access point.
- Mesh Network: Multiple access points work together to provide seamless coverage across a large area.
So next time when we explore topics like interference, QoS in wireless communication, or even how LTE coexists with WLAN in unlicensed spectrum (like LTE-U), you’ll find this understanding very handy.