WLAN Network : Overview 2022

Wireless LANs refer to Local Area Networks which use radio waves at high frequencies instead of cables to connect devices. WLANs allow users to move within the network coverage area. WLANs are usually based on IEEE 802.11 or WiFi.

IEEE 802.11 Architecture

These are the components of an IEEE 80211 architecture.

1) Stations (STA). Stations are all equipment and devices that are connected to the wireless network. There are two types of stations:

Wireless Access Pointz (WAP), – Wireless access points (AP) can be described as wireless routers that act as access points or base stations.
Clients can be workstations, computers or laptops. Printers and smartphones are all examples.

Each station is equipped with a wireless network controller.

2) Basic Service Set (BSS). A basic service set is a collection of stations that communicate at the physical layer level. Depending on the mode of operation, BSS can fall into one of two categories:

Infrastructure BSS – Here devices can communicate with each other through access points.
Independent BSS – Here the devices communicate on a peer-to-peer basis in a sporadic manner.

3) Extended Service Set (ESS), – This is a collection of all connected BSS.

4) Distribution System (DS). It connects access points to ESS.

WLANs have many advantages

They make it possible to have clutter-free homes, offices, and other connected places.
The LANs can be scaled in nature. The network can be expanded or contracted to include additional devices more easily than wired LANs.
The system can be moved within the network coverage area and the access to the network is unrestricted by the length of cables.
Installation and configuration are much simpler than with wired counterparts.
Equipment and setup costs can be reduced.

WLANs’ disadvantages

Radio waves are used to communicate, so they are more noisy and subject to interference from other systems.
Encrypting data requires more care. They are also more susceptible to errors. They require more bandwidth than wired LANs.
WLANs are slower that wired LANs.

What is a WLAN? How does it work?

The generic WLAN construct must first be understood. A network that is contained within a building, campus or other functional structure. A wireless LAN is created when you add a W to the LAN.

Although Wi-Fi and WLAN are often used interchangeably, there are problems with this practice. A WLAN can be created using different wireless technology.

Here’s a story to illustrate the differences between Wi-Fi and WLAN. Recent projects included lighting control and building alarm systems. I was asked for proposals and implemented them. Each one used WLAN to connect wirelessly. When I heard that WLAN was involved, my first thought was “Oh, boy! We may not need critical services via Wi-Fi.”

After digging through the product literature, however, I discovered that these WLANs were using different radio technologies and had no connection to Wi-Fi. Each case had a router sitting between the LAN, and any proprietary wireless transceivers.

Let me now give you my general definition of WLAN. A WLAN uses radio technology to connect nodes to each other.

It’s not difficult, is it? Wireless and local are the most important aspects. These define network boundaries and let us know radio frequency replaces wiring.

What is Wi Fi and how does it work?

Wi-Fi refers to the wireless standard 802.11. Over the years we have seen many evolutions in Wi-Fi. The new 802.11ax standard was born. Every version of the 802.11 standard has been written to be compatible with 802.3 Ethernet, the most popular LAN type.

The APs act as Layer 2 bridges between 802.11 standards in enterprise networks and 802.3 standards within home networks. Wireless routers in a home network also have an AP under their hood.

What is Wi-Fi?

Wireless networks are a 100% WLAN. The important point is that Wi-Fi networks are not the only type WLAN.

Take my lighting control project. The company uses frequencies of 430 MHz to link switches, controllers, and light fixtures to create a WLAN within a space. A Wi-Fi AP connects 802.11 and 802.3. In this instance, the system uses its own hub for connection back to the LAN. Alarm systems also have their own WLAN stories, which use their own spectrum.

Wi-Fi is the only WLAN that currently services human clients. However, in-building cell may also qualify. Most WLANs service headless client device Nodes.

This should clarify the differences between WLAN and Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi can be described as a type WLAN. When discussing multiple colocated WLANs we need to consider how they might interact.

Because they operate in different frequencies, the lighting and alarm WLANs won’t be visible when I use my commercial-grade WiFi tools. Wi-Fi operates in 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency ranges.

However, if I attempt to run two concurrent WLANs, it can cause problems. Two Wi-Fi networks sharing the same space can cause havoc. The same applies to two lighting WLANs, two alarm WLANs, or any other type of WLAN using the same frequencies. Any WLAN must have proper design and respect other WLANs within the same area.