A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a way to connect two or more devices using high-frequency radio waves. It allows users to move around within a certain area, like a home or small office, while still being connected to the network. Sometimes, it's also called a local area wireless network (LAWN).
Access points and clients are the two types of components that connect to a WLAN. Access points (APs) transmit and receive radio frequency signals and usually function as routers. Clients can be desktop computers, workstations, laptop computers, IP phones, cell phones, and smartphone devices.
There are two types of basic service sets (BSSs) - independent and infrastructure. Independent BSSs (IBSS) exist when two clients communicate without using APs, while infrastructure BSSs use APs to communicate with other stations in other BSSs.
WLANs became more popular as technology progressed, and WLAN solutions and proprietary protocols were replaced by IEEE 802.11 standards in various versions. ISP WLANs emerged, where small local home networks are mostly coordinated by the Internet Service Provider. In this setup, the ISP's modem is the access point and router, making it easy for the consumer to set up the home network.
Some WLANs work without a defined access point, which challenges the traditional idea of access points and clients. As the Internet of Things (IoT) grows, WLANs provide a subnetwork for advanced connectivity and local Wi-Fi operation.
Overall, WLANs are convenient for users who need to connect multiple devices to the internet wirelessly.
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