WIRELESS LANS

by: Matthew Follett

Introduction

A Wireless local area network (WLAN) links two or more devices using some wireless distribution method and usually providing a connection through an access point to the wider Internet. This gives users the ability to move around within a local coverage area and still be connected to the network.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi has become increasingly popular because it allows an electronic device to exchange data or connect to the internet wirelessly using radio waves.

Range

Wi-Fi networks have limited range. A typical wireless access point using 802.11b or 802.11g with a stock antenna might have a range of 120 ft indoors and 300 ft outdoors. 

Range 2

 IEEE 802.11n, however, can more than double the range. Range also varies with frequency band. Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz frequency block has slightly better range than Wi-Fi in the 5 GHz frequency block which is used by 802.11a and optionally by 802.11n.

Stations

All components that can connect into a wireless medium in a network are referred to as stations. All stations are equipped with wireless network interface controllers (WNICs). Wireless stations fall into one of two categories: access points, and clients. Access points (APs), normally routers, are base stations for the wireless network.

Stations 2

They transmit and receive radio frequencies for wireless enabled devices to communicate with. Wireless clients can be mobile devices such as laptops, IP phones and other Smartphone's, or fixed devices such as desktops and workstations that are equipped with a wireless network interface.