Wireless Network

"A LAN is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line or wireless link and typically share the resources of a single processor or server within a small geographic area (for example, within an office building)" (Voip Glossary). A LAN is useful for sharing devices or resources like files, printers, games, and applications. A LAN often connects to other LANs, and to the Internet.

Some operating systems may be used to configure a local area network. For example, most versions of Microsoft Windows provide a software program called Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) that supports restricted access to LAN resources.

The most common local area network is an Ethernet, a twisted-pair cable similar to an ordinary phone cable, LAN. Also, the smallest LANs can consist of two computers; whereas, a large LAN can accommodate many thousands of computers. Therefore, an Internet Protocol (IP), used for communication between computers, LAN can in theory accommodate more than 16 million devices.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

"a local area network that uses high frequency radio signals to transmit and receive data over distances of a few hundred feet; uses Ethernet protocol" (WordNet).

A WLAN typically extends wired local area network. WLANs are built by attaching a device called the wireless access point (WAP) to the edge of the wired network. Clients can then communicate with the WAP using wireless network adapters similar in function to a traditional wired network adapter.

Network security remains an important issue for WLANs. Random wireless clients can sometimes connect to insecure WLANs. Some technologies raise the level of security on wireless networks to equal that of traditional wired networks.

For WLANs that connect to the Internet, Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) technologies allow web content to be easily downloaded to a WLAN and accessed on wireless clients like cell phones and palm pilots.

Wireless Access Point (WAP)

"A wireless access point (WAP or AP) is a device that 'connects' wireless communication devices together to create a wireless network" (Wireless Access Point). Access points act as a central transmitter and receiver of WLAN radio signals.

Access points used in home or small business networks are generally small, dedicated hardware devices featuring a built-in network adapter, antenna, and radio transmitter.