| A Wireless LAN is a wireless local area network | | | | fixed devices such as desktops and workstation |
| that connects two or more computers or devices | | | | that are equipped with the wireless network |
| without using wires. It is commonly called as | | | | interface (NIC). |
| WLAN. | | | | Nowadays WLAN are becoming popular in more |
| It was developed by IEEE 802.11(Institute of | | | | wide range of business customers. |
| electrical and electronic engineering). | | | | For example: |
| 802.11standards use the Ethernet protocol and | | | | Hospitals, Universities, Hotels, retail shops Are |
| CSMA (carrier sense multiple access with collision | | | | using this wireless technology to conduct their |
| avoidance) for path sharing. | | | | daily business operations. |
| WLAN devices allow users to move their laptops | | | | BENEFITS: |
| from one place to another place within their | | | | Wireless LAN's offer five primary benefits USER |
| offices without the Need for wires and without | | | | MOBILITY: |
| losing network connectivity. | | | | Users can access files, network resources and |
| WIRELESS LAN'S: | | | | internet Without physically connected network to |
| Wireless LAN's allow greater flexibility and | | | | the wires. RAPID INSTALLATION: |
| portability than the traditional wired LAN, that the | | | | The installation time is very less because the |
| wired LAN requires a wire to connect a user's | | | | network connection can be made without adding |
| computer to a network But the WLAN connects | | | | wires, or pulling it through walls or ceiling, or |
| computer to a network using an access point | | | | making modification to the infrastructure cable |
| devices. This access point communicates with | | | | plant. |
| devices equipped with wireless network adapters | | | | REDUCED COSTS: |
| and it connects to a wired Ethernet LAN. This | | | | The initial investment of wireless LAN is little |
| access point Devices have a coverage area up to | | | | higher than the wired LAN, but there is no need |
| 300 feet (approximately 100 meters). | | | | of installation charges and the wiring charges. |
| WIRELESS LAN COMPONENTS: | | | | SCALABILITY: |
| A Wireless LAN comprises two types of | | | | WLAN network topologies can easily be |
| equipments. | | | | configured to meet specific application and |
| 1. A wireless station | | | | installation needs and to scale from small peer to |
| 2. Access point A wireless stations are equipped | | | | peer network to very large enterprise network |
| with wireless networks interface card | | | | that enable roaming over a broad area. |
| (NIC).Access points are base station for the | | | | FLEXIBILITY: |
| wireless networks, they transmit and receive | | | | Users can quickly install a small WLAN for |
| radio frequency to communicate with wireless | | | | temporary needs such as a conference, |
| devices. Wireless clients can be Mobile device such | | | | tradeshow or in the meetings. It Is flexible so we |
| as laptops, personal digital assistants, I phones and | | | | can take WLAN in our necessary locations. |