{"id":36232,"date":"2024-12-18T17:53:37","date_gmt":"2024-12-18T09:53:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/?p=36232"},"modified":"2025-02-25T14:09:45","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T06:09:45","slug":"what-is-wlan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lightningxvpn.com\/blog\/en\/what-is-wlan\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is WLAN (Wireless LAN): Definition, Benefits, and Uses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you open your device and try to connect to the WiFi network, have you ever noticed that the network section is named WLAN instead of simply WiFi? You might wonder: what is WLAN? Is it the same thing as WiFi? Don\u2019t worry, we can clear all your doubts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here we will explain the definition of WLAN and list its different types. To better understand the difference between WLAN and WiFi, we also provide a brief comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is WLAN?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

WLAN is short for Wireless Local Area Network, it\u2019s actually a type of network that uses wireless communication to connect devices in a localized area. Compared with the traditional cabling network like ethernet cables, WLAN is more convenient to use. It allows people to connect two or more devices within its coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does WLAN Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A WLAN uses wireless technology to transmit data. The one that connects to the WLAN is the Access Point (AP), it usually is a wireless router. It can receive radio waves and send data packets to the clients, which is your mobile phone, laptop, or other smart devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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WLAN vs WiFi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After knowing what is WLAN, here comes another question that most people are curious about: what is the difference between WLAN and WiFi?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, most WLAN network is based on the IEEE 802.11 standards, that is WiFi. You can see WiFi as a special type of WLAN network. WLAN networks include multiple standards, but WiFi only uses IEEE 802.11 standards to communicate wirelessly. So, they are quite similar. However, not all WLAN networks are equal to WiFi networks. Don\u2019t mistakenly regard the two concepts as the same thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features of a WLAN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now we already know the meaning of WLAN networks. Instead of using an Ethernet cable, why do people choose a WLAN connection? Here we will list the advantages and disadvantages of this wireless technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of a WLAN<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Easy Installation<\/strong>: You don\u2019t need to drill holes for the cabling work. It\u2019s suitable for small spaces like your home, classroom, office, library, small shop or airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flexibility & Convenient<\/strong>: The best part of a WLAN network is that as long as you are within its coverage, you can connect to the network. In addition, you can also use a wireless network outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Money saving<\/strong>: The installation of a wired network is more expensive than a wireless network. If you want to in a large space, it might cost more. Besides, it also needs maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Easier to scale up<\/strong>: You don\u2019t have to re-design the whole wiring and consider all the possible situations. All you need to do is assign login credentials to add a new device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compatibility<\/strong>: You can use a WLAN network to connect to mobile phones, tablets, computers, game consoles, and IoT devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disadvantages of a WLAN<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Limited range:<\/strong> Compared with an Ethernet cable, a WLAN network\u2019s coverage is limited. If you want to connect to the wireless network, you can consider buying a WiFi signal booster. Furthermore, its signal might easily be intervened. Essentially when you are using WiFi, the signal can be blocked by walls, furniture, or other electronic devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Security risks<\/strong>: A WLAN network is easier to be attacked by hackers. Your data might be accessed by unauthorized third parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speed issues<\/strong>: Generally, an Ethernet is faster. When you are enjoying online games or streaming, it might cause latency to influence your experience. If you want to learn more about the speed difference between Ethernet and wireless networks, please read this blog: Is Ethernet Faster than WiFi? A Comprehensive Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Applications of WLAN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Home network<\/strong>: WLAN networks usually can only cover limited space, home is a perfect location. You can connect to the network no matter what room you are in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small businesses:<\/strong> When connecting to the same network, employees can easily share documents or files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public WiFi:<\/strong> People can just connect to the public WLAN network for short-term use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supports IoT<\/strong>: WLAN network can be used in IoT applications like traffic management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is WLAN Safe to Use?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Normally, a WLAN network is secured. As we mentioned above, it could be a target for cybercriminals. You could take some measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To secure your WLAN network, you can follow these instructions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n