In: Computer Science
Stands for "Wireless local area network." A WLAN, or wireless
local area network, could be a network that enables devices to
attach and communicate wirelessly. not like a conventional wired
local area network, within which devices communicate over local
area network cables, devices on a wireless local area network
communicate via Wi-Fi.
While a wireless local area network might look totally different
than a conventional local area network, it functions an equivalent
means. New devices square measure usually adscititious and designed
victimization DHCP. they'll communicate with alternative devices on
the network an equivalent means they might on a wired network. the
first distinction is, however, the info is transmitted. In a LAN,
information is transmitted over physical cables during a series of
local area network packets containing. In a WLAN, information is
transmitted over the air victimization one in every of Wi-Fi 802.11
protocols.
As wireless devices have big in quality, thus have WLANs. In fact,
most routers oversubscribed square measure currently wireless
routers. A wireless router is a base station, providing wireless
connections to any Wi-Fi-enabled devices among vary of the router's
wireless signal. This includes laptops, tablets, smartphones, and
alternative wireless devices, like sensible appliances and sensible
home controllers. Wireless routers usually connect with a cable
electronic equipment or alternative web-connected device to supply
Internet access to connected devices.
LANs and WLANs are incorporated along employing a bridge that
connects the 2 networks. several wireless routers conjointly embody
local area network ports, providing connections for a restricted
variety of wireless devices. In most cases, wireless routers act as
a bridge, merging the local area network and Wi-Fi-connected
devices into an equivalent network. this enables wired and wireless
devices to speak with one another through one router.
Advantages:
1. Devices can connect wirelessly, hence cables are not required.
2. The number of devices connected is not limited by the number of ports.
3. Smaller devices like smartphones can also be connected to the network.
Disadvantages:
1. They are comparatively less secure.
2. They are impacted by physical barriers like walls and also by other signals.