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 PersonalArea Network initiatives, accessible through IEEE 802.15working group .

Wireless Lan Association .

Usenet newsgroups: news:comp.dcom.lans.misc,

news:comp.std.wireless.

(2003-09-23)