A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) uses radio waves to connect devices, eliminating the need for physical cables. It's a type of Local Area Network (LAN) that provides wireless communication for various network clients and devices. Think of your home Wi-Fi network – that's a WLAN!
How it Works: A Step-by-Step Overview
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Radio Wave Transmission: WLANs transmit data via radio waves, similar to broadcast media. This allows devices like smartphones, laptops, and IoT devices to connect wirelessly. (Cisco, Reddit)
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Data Packets: Information is sent in packets, containing layered information for successful transmission and reception. (Cisco)
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Access Points (APs): Many WLANs utilize access points (APs). These act as central hubs, receiving and sending data to connected devices. Popular WLAN standard, Wi-Fi, relies heavily on APs. (ZenArmor)
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Frequency Bands: Wi-Fi typically uses 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands for communication. (ZenArmor)
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Wireless Communication: WLANs enable mobility; users can move within the network's coverage area (e.g., home, office, campus) and maintain connectivity. (ZenArmor)
Types of Wireless Transmission
WLANs employ several transmission methods: radio, infrared, and microwave. This flexibility allows for various applications and deployments. (Netlab)
Client Isolation: A Security Feature
Some WLAN configurations implement client isolation. This prevents wireless clients from communicating directly with each other, enhancing security. Clients can still access the internet and the LAN, but they can't interact with each other. (Security Stack Exchange)
Troubleshooting
Issues can arise, such as scheduled WLANs not working correctly or DHCP not assigning IP addresses. These problems often require checking the network configuration settings on the access point or router. (TP-Link, Sophos)
