wireless LAN (redirected from Wireless area network)

A local area network that transmits over the air typically in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz unlicensed frequency band. It does not require line of sight between sender and receiver. Wireless base stations (access points) are wired to an Ethernet network and transmit a radio frequency over an area of several hundred feet through walls and other non-metal barriers. Roaming users can be handed off from one access point to another like a cellular phone system.

Wi-Fi for LANs (Local Networks)
The major wireless LAN standard today is the IEEE 802.11, more widely known by the "Wi-Fi" logo. Wireless Wi-Fi adapters (Wi-Fi transceivers) are either built into most new laptops or added via a PC card slot or USB. Wireless adapters for desktop machines can be plugged into a USB port or PCI slot. See 802.11 for more details.

Wi-Fi base stations (access points) are commonly built into broadband routers, providing both wired and wireless connectivity for a small network (see below).

Bluetooth or Infrared for PANs (Personal Networks)
Bluetooth wireless is used for short distances between devices, but roaming is not supported. Infrared transmission (IrDA) is used for very short distances just between two devices, but requires line of sight. See Bluetooth, IrDA and PAN.

Wireless LAN

Wireless LANs function like cellphone systems. Each access point is a base station that transmits over a radius of some distance. Users can roam between access points without dropping the connection.

Wireless Router

A wireless router combines an access point, LAN switch and router in one device, which is convenient for setting up a small wireless and wired network from scratch. The three antennas on this Belkin device use MIMO-based technology that delivers 108 Mbps transmission speed. Two antennas transmit, and three receive (see MIMO). (Image courtesy of Belkin Corporation, www.belkin.com)