What is WLAN?

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) is a wireless local area network that allows communication between devices. However, instead of cables, it uses radio waves. Its origins date back to the 1990s. Its main advantage is, of course, mobility. Hence, it is particularly popular among laptop and smartphone users.

Comparison of WLAN, LAN and Wi-Fi – how do they differ?

Although they are often mistakenly equated with each other, it is worth knowing that they refer to different solutions.

• LAN (Local Area Network) is a term that refers to a local network – both wired (Ethernet) and wireless.
• WLAN is actually a type of LAN that (as mentioned above) uses radio waves.

The biggest differences concern Wi-Fi, as it is a brand responsible for certifying the compliance of devices with IEEE 802.11 standards.

How does it work? How a WLAN wireless network works.

The technology is responsible for communication between the end device (e.g. laptop, smartphone) and the access point (router). Data is transmitted using radio waves. Each such network operates on a specific transmission channel.

#1 Network architecture

Within a WLAN network, we can distinguish two main topologies: infrastructure networks (with a central access point) and ad-hoc networks (offering a direct connection between devices). Controllers are typically used to centrally manage multiple access points. In addition, it consists of important components:

• Access points, which connect wireless devices to a wired network.
• Network cards, which are responsible for communication with access points.

#2 Frequencies

Today’s networks operate in three main frequency bands.

• 2.4 GHz band – longest range and good wall penetration, but can be congested and prone to interference.
• 5 GHz band – higher bandwidth and less interference, but shorter range.
• 6 GHz band – even higher bandwidth and minimal interference.

#3 Standards

There are four basic WiFi standards, including: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), with a maximum bandwidth of up to 600 Mbps, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) offering bandwidth of up to 3.5 Gbps, and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) providing up to 9.6 Gbps. Wi-Fi 6E additionally opens up access to the 6 GHz band. The best standard currently available is WiFi 7 (802.11be) with an impressive bandwidth of up to 46 Gbps.

How to configure a WLAN network?

The first step is to set the network name (SSID), followed by a strong password (preferably with WPA3 or WPA2 encryption). Then select the appropriate channel (there are only 3 available in the 2.4 GHz band). Next, set the transmission power (too high can cause interference, while too low can limit the range).

If you care about performance, stability and security, we recommend using the support of experienced experts in IT infrastructure creation and configuration. As part of House IT’s activities, we provide comprehensive support – from consulting to a full range of IT services.

A professional WLAN for your company

Are you planning to implement an advanced wireless network in your company? Our experience in designing and implementing networks will help you create an efficient and secure infrastructure. Contact our experts today. We will be happy to tell you about the possibilities offered by a professional wireless network.