16.1 Overview of WLAN
16.1.1 What is WLAN
- Definition of WLAN
WLAN stands for Wireless LAN (wireless local area network), which refers to a wireless local area network constructed through wireless technology. In a broad sense, WLAN refers to a network composed of wireless signals such as radio waves, lasers, and infrared rays instead of part or all of the transmission media in wired LANs. Through WLAN technology, users can easily access to the wireless network and move freely within the coverage area of the wireless network, completely getting rid of the shackles of the wired network.
- Classification of WLANs
Wireless networks can be classified into WPAN, WLAN, WMAN, and WWAN according to the scope of application.
- WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network): personal wireless network, commonly used technologies are: Bluetooth, ZigBee, NFC, HomeRF, UWB.
- WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): wireless local area network, commonly used technologies are: Wi-Fi. (WPAN-related technologies are also used in WLAN.)
- WMAN (Wireless Metrop