Wireless Local Area Network, or WLAN for short, is a wireless local area network. In this network, for communication, as well as for transferring data between nodes, not cable connections are used, but high-frequency radio waves.
Today, the most common protocols for implementing wireless networks are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. In the case of Wi-Fi, users have the ability to navigate the coverage area between access points without breaking the connection.
WLAN networks are becoming more and more widespread, including when it is impossible or economically unprofitable to install a cable network.
Such a wireless network can either expand the existing cable local area network inside a building, office, a certain territory, or act as an alternative to it in general:
no need to lay a cable, which results in cost savings;easy installation of a Wi-Fi connection, does not require complex installation work.Expansion and reconfigurationExpanding and reconfiguring a WLAN network is not a difficult task - the integration of user devices is possible by installing wireless network adapters on them.
Radio waves penetrate ceilings and walls; for most WLAN systems, the coverage area (range) reaches 160 m. This figure depends on the obstacles in the way: their type and number.
The popularity of the technology among users is explained by the fact that in order to access a corporate or world wide network, they do not need to be at their permanent workplace (as is the case with a cable system).
With the help of the so-called. “Hotspots” that are organized at airports, train stations, large entertainment and business centers, restaurants, cafes and many other public places, they can go online.
Using an access point, the cable and wireless network is combined. This allows wireless clients to access cable network resources.
Work speedThe speeds of modern wireless networks are comparable to those of cable. The bandwidth in both cases is affected by the topology, network load, distance from the access point, etc.
As for the number of users, it is practically unlimited: it can be expanded by installing new access points.
Also, the expansion of the wireless network (increasing the number of users in one zone) is possible through overlapping access points that are tuned to different channels (frequencies).
disadvantagesLow noise immunity. A Wi-Fi frequency, for example, a small noise generator can paralyze a large segment of the networkIn large cities - channel instability due to air overloadDependence on atmospheric conditionsLack of protection system against "listening" to the channel
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