What is a wireless local area network (WLAN)?

Local area networks (LAN) have been a connecting feature for devices for decades, but with increases in wireless technology, these connections have developed the same benefits without the cables.

What is a wireless local area network (WLAN), exactly? A WLAN is a type of LAN formed by connecting devices like laptops, tablets, and phones with radio waves instead of wires. It’s confined to a limited area, such as a building or a campus, where the devices are near each other. Wireless WAN (wide area networks) work in similar way over a larger geographic area.

An access point, or AP, is at the center of a WLAN. The AP acts as a bridge, connecting devices such as laptops, phones, tablets, and printers to the network or the internet. The AP constantly sends out a wireless signal with information about its identity.

In turn, a device—let’s say it’s a laptop—is equipped with a wireless adapter, also known as a “node.” The laptop user can scan an area and search for AP signals, select their chosen network, and enter their credentials. This connects the device wirelessly to the network. Once connected, the device and the network exchange data through a router.

The router manages the access points and devices connected to the network and enforces certain parameters. For instance, there may be a business rule in place that gives communications with the phone system priority to use the fastest network paths. The router functions like a traffic officer who holds up regular traffic on a roadway (the network) to let an emergency vehicle (prioritized device) get through quickly. 

There are four types of WLAN connections: infrastructure mode, ad hoc mode, wireless distribution system (WDS), and wireless bridges. Your business might use one or a combination, depending on the needs of the organization. For example, do you need to connect devices on several floors? Or will you connect several buildings across a campus? Are there obstacles that could interfere with a wireless connection? These are just a few scenarios to consider as you decide which of the following WLAN connection modes is best for your business.

Infrastructure mode

In this setup, devices connect to a central access point, such as a wireless router, which acts as the hub for all communication. It’s the most common type of WLAN for both homes and businesses because many devices can share internet access through one access point.

Ad hoc mode

In this mode, devices communicate directly with each other without using an access point, forming a peer-to-peer network. It’s typically used for quick, temporary connections. Its range is limited, so it may not be the best choice if you need to grow your WLAN in the future.

Wireless distribution system (WDS)

WDS connects multiple access points wirelessly, extending the network’s reach over large areas without added wiring. This is a good choice for large areas, such as multiple buildings across a campus or several floors in an office building. It’s also a good option if your space has obstructions that prevent a single access point from doing the job.

Wireless bridges

This mode connects separate wired networks using a wireless link. It enables multiple LAN segments to connect to the same WLAN. This setup is good for large spaces such as offices or campuses where a single access point may not provide enough coverage.

Each type of WLAN connection comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. It may be important for you to consider ease of setup vs. range of your WLAN area coverage, for example, when deciding which connection modes—including wired LAN—to use.

To decide which local area networking service—wired, wireless, or a combination—is best for your location, think about how they compare in terms of connectivity, speed, and reliability.

Connectivity

Wired LANs use Ethernet cables to connect. They’re good for relatively small, confined spaces such as an office or a group of offices and workspaces. That’s because running physical cables behind walls and under floors is labor-intensive. If a space is later reconfigured or repurposed, the cables must also be moved or added to accommodate the new layout. Wired LANs sometimes need signal boosters, which are powered devices that amplify a signal to maintain its strength and speed over a long distance.

A WLAN is easier to install, more flexible, and more scalable compared to a wired LAN. Once the network infrastructure is in place, you can add access points to expand the broadcast area. Adding access points is easier and less expensive than running and maintaining cable. A WLAN can also help keep your business connected in case of a natural disaster because it relies on less physical infrastructure. WLAN can offer a wider range, more coverage, and easier configuration compared to LAN.

Speed

Wired LAN network operations typically use Cat6A Ethernet cables to connect devices to the network. These cables transfer data at speeds up to 10 gigabits per second to each device connected to the network.

Wi-Fi®, including business Wi-Fi, is the most common way to connect devices wirelessly. A private mobile connection that uses a cellular network is another option. Wi-Fi speeds have improved over the past few years, but don’t yet reach wired speeds.

The latest standard, Wi-Fi 7, can theoretically move data possibly faster than Ethernet. It also handles more bandwidth with less latency compared to Wi-Fi 5. LAN still wins over WLAN when it comes to speed, but WLAN is closing the gap.

Reliability

Wired LANs rarely have technical connectivity issues. If they do, it’s usually due to an issue caused by the cable itself. For example, an Ethernet cable could be accidentally cut during construction or degrade over time due to environmental conditions.

WLAN connections can be less reliable than LANs for this reason. They can experience interference from other types of radio waves and devices. They’re also susceptible to interruptions from weather and other environmental conditions, though these types of issues don’t happen often. And finally, a WLAN signal can be weakened or blocked by certain types of construction, such as cinder block walls or glass that has a coating to block ultraviolet rays.

Fortunately, adding access points to a WLAN can help fill in areas where a signal may be weak.

Given these pros and cons, you may be wondering: what are the benefits of WLAN for business? Though LAN can come with certain perks, the speed, reliability, and scalability of WLAN networks is constantly improving.

Although the cost may vary by the unique needs of a business and the area being covered for installing a new LAN, WLAN may be less expensive than wired Ethernet. But today’s IT organizations consider more than cost savings alone. You may also be thinking about on-going support and the impact on efficiency and productivity for both IT and the wider organization. With those factors in mind, there are benefits to WLAN to consider.

Flexibility and mobility

WLANs allow employees to connect wirelessly in a location. This enables greater flexibility and mobility in the workplace. This is especially useful for teams that collaborate often. Sales teams are free to move about the office and can access customer information. Support staff can troubleshoot on the spot. Creative teams can work where they feel relaxed and inspired, even outdoors. You can configure new temporary spaces for guests quickly, without the need to run wires or cable. WLAN helps make the workplace dynamic and productivity easy. Plus, it’s an extension of the freedom to connect anywhere at any time we’ve come to expect in our lives outside of work.

Easy to install

A WLAN reduces the need for networking cables, which saves time and expense of installing and supporting physical infrastructure. Plus, WLANs are easier to install. They can be expanded or reconfigured quickly and easily, often without the need for highly technical support staff.

Support for a variety of devices

WLANs support a wide range of devices, including mobile phones, laptops, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Think of a temperature sensor in a manufacturing factory that continuously sends temperature data over the network, or a heart rate monitor for healthcare in a hospital. It can automatically alert staff to changes or unusual conditions.

It is notable that LANs can have some security benefits over WLAN, but the gap is closing with new technologies and best practices.

LANS have the advantage over WLANs when it comes to security. That’s because WLANs can be more vulnerable to cyber threats like unauthorized access and data interceptions. Best practices for defending your WLAN include using a multi-layered security approach that uses password protection, encryption, and firewalls.

For example, if an attacker gains access to the network by obtaining a valid username and password, firewalls that protect segments of the network prevent them from accessing the entire network. And if a bad actor manages to get their hands on your data, they won’t be able to use it if it has been scrambled.

While every network is unique in its size, number and placement of access points, and challenges, there are some basic steps involved in setting up a WLAN.

Once your WLAN is in place, you should monitor it and adjust as needed to get the best balance of coverage and performance.

As wireless speeds and security catch up to traditional wired networks, WLAN is an attractive choice for businesses that want to connect employees quickly and conveniently. It provides businesses with the flexibility and scalability needed to meet the demands of a modern, mobile workforce.

Whether in a lobby, the cafeteria, or break room, a huddle or conference room—even at the on-site gym—WLAN makes connectivity fast and convenient. It enhances productivity, and it can be more cost-effective than building out physical wired infrastructure. That’s not just good for operations, it’s also good for your business’ bottom line.

Talk to an AT&T Business representative and learn if a wireless local area network (WLAN) is right for your business.

See how ultra-fast, reliable fiber, protected by built-in security, and 5G connectivity give you a new level of confidence in the possibilities of your network. Let our experts work with you to solve your challenges and accelerate outcomes. Your business deserves the AT&T Business difference—a new standard for networking.