WLAN ==>
wireless local area network
<networking> (WLAN /W-lan/, or "LAWN" /lorn/, sometimes "WiLAN" /wi-lan/)
A communication system that transmits and receives data using modulated
electromagnetic waves, implemented as an extension to, or as an alternative for,
a wired LAN. WLANs are typically found within a small client node-dense locale
(e.g. a campus or office building), or anywhere a traditional network cannot be
deployed for logistical reasons.
Benefits include user mobility in the coverage area, speed and simplicity of
physical setup, and scalability. Being a military spin-off, WLANs also provide
security features such as encryption, frequency hopping, and firewalls. Some of
these are intrinsic to the protocol, making WLANs at least as secure as wired
networks, and usually more so. The drawbacks are high initial cost (mostly
hardware), limited range, possibility of mutual interference, amd the need to
security-enable clients.
The established protocols are covered by IEEE 802.11. Recent
developments include the Bluetooth project and other WPAN, or Personal Area
Network initiatives, accessible through IEEE 802.15 working group.
Wireless Lan Association.
Usenet newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans.misc, comp.std.wireless.
(2003-09-23)
Nearby terms:
wireless « Wireless Application Protocol « wireless
bitmap «
wireless local area network » Wireless Transport
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