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Wireless Local Area Network(WLAN)

Fundamentals
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) architecture comprises various Wireless Access Points
interconnected using a switch, along with multiple host devices like personal computers, office
phones, printers, and additional wireless access points.

WLAN’s are built by attaching a device called the access point(AP) to the edge of the wired
network. Clients communicate with the AP using a wireless network adapter which is similar in
function to an ethernet adapter. It is also called a LAWN is a Local area wireless network.

The performance of WLAN is high compared to other wireless networks. The coverage of
WLAN is within a campus or building or that tech park. It is used in the mobile propagation of
wired networks. The standards of WLAN are HiperLAN, Wi-Fi, and IEEE 802.11. It offers
service to the desktop laptop, mobile application, and all the devices that work on the Internet.
WLAN is an affordable method and can be set up in 24 hours. WLAN gives users the mobility to
move around within a local coverage area and still be connected to the network. Most latest
brands are based on IEE 802.11 standards, which are the WI-FI brand name.

WLAN provides connectivity between computers over short distances using wireless medium

Ex: Pc1 —wireless—pc2

Temporary excess were wires connection is difficult and costly

Coverage distance=less than few hundred feet

Useful:
When wiring is expensive or difficult.
When temporary access is needed.

Components:
Access points: Radio receivers/ transmitter(TransReceiver)
- Connects to wired Networks.
- Exchanges signals with wireless LAN Cards.
- Small group of users are supported.
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Wireless LAN CARD: WLAN Adapters

- allows your wired device to pick up WiFi signals.
- A Wireless Network Adapter is a device that connects to a wireless access point or
router using an antenna instead of a cable, allowing devices like laptops to access wireless
networks.

Bridge: used for connecting two LANS

Ex: if you need to connect two different LANS then the bridge is used for connecting and
transferring data/files/resources.

Types of WLANs
As per IEEE standard WLAN is categorized into two basic modes, which are as follows:

1. Infrastructure: In Infrastructure mode, all the endpoints are connected to a base station
and communicate through that; and this can also enable internet access. A WLAN
infrastructure can be set up with: a wireless router (base station) and an endpoint
(computer, mobile phone, etc). An office or home WiFi connection is an example of
Infrastructure mode.
2. Ad Hoc: In Ad Hoc mode WLAN connects devices without a base station, like a
computer workstation. An Ad Hoc WLAN is easy to set up it provides peer-to-peer
communication. It requires two or more endpoints with built-in radio transmission.

Working of WLAN
WLAN transmits data over radio signals and the data is sent in the form of a packet. Each
packet consists of layers, labels, and instructions with unique MAC addresses assigned to
endpoints. This enables routing data packets to correct locations.

Architectures
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1. Customer Edge Router (Home Gateway): The home gateway serves as the
initial component of a wireless LAN. It directly connects to the service provider’s
network, obtaining a WAN link which it transforms into a LAN link. This gateway provides
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a port for connecting a switch to facilitate further distribution. It’s responsible for routing
traffic from the LAN to the internet using the IP routing protocol.
2. Switches: The switch receives the LAN link from the Home Gateway and distributes it
to various wireless access points. In the network diagram above, a switch with up to 48
Ethernet ports (RJ45 ports) is shown. Three different access points utilize three of the 48
ports of the switch.
3. Ethernet Cable (LAN Cable): The next network component is the Ethernet cable,
usually a twisted cable with an RJ45 connector at each end. This allows the cable to
connect to the switch’s Ethernet port and the host device’s RJ45 port. In the network
topology depicted above, Ethernet cables are used to link the three wireless access
point to three ports at the bottom row of the switch.
4. Stations: Stations encompass all end devices that connect to the network wirelessly.
The stations in the topology above includes laptops, smartphones, printers, terminals,
and projectors.
5. Basic Service Set: A Basic Service Set comprises all wireless devices that
communicate with one another. It is the wireless access points joined with the host
devices (stations) connected to them.
6. Extended Service Set (ESS): An ESS is a collection of interconnected BSS
(Basic Service Sets). It consists of various wireless access points joined together, each
with different host devices connected to them. ESS configuration supports roaming.
When user equipment moves from the coverage area of one access point to another, it
automatically dissociates from the former and associates with the latter.
7. Distribution System: The distribution system connects one access point to another,
as depicted in the network diagram above. This system can be either wired or wireless.

How is a WLAN Created ?

A WLAN is a collection of nodes interconnected with each other for the purpose of data sharing,
transmitting messages over the internet, connecting for peer-2-peer connectiob etc. As
discussed above in types, it can be created in following 2 ways :-

1. Connecting through one base station and that could be the router that acts as a doorway
to the internet, and every other nodes (devices like computer, smartphones) can connect
to the internet and to each other through it.
2. Peer-2-Peer connection using the wifi direct technology. This is more suitable for
situations when we require to connect two or more devices without internet and only for
purpose of data exchange, connecting over a same local network.

Applications of WLAN
1. campus wireless LAN
2. Providing internet access in difficult to wire areas
3. WLAN connectivity to Geographically diverse system
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Characteristics of WLAN
1. Seamless operation.
2. Low power for battery use.
3. Simple management, easy to use for everyone.
4. Protection of investment in wired networks.
5. Robust transmission technology.

Advantages of WLAN
1. Installation speed and simplicity.
2. Installation flexibility.
3. Reduced cost of ownership.
4. Reliability.
5. Mobility.
6. Robustness.

Disadvantages of WLAN
1. Slower bandwidth.
2. Security for wireless LANs is the prime concern.
3. Less capacity.
4. Wireless networks cost four times more than wired network cards.
5. Wireless devices emit low levels of RF which can be harmful to our health.