Wireless LANs are used all around the world for communication at nearly the speed of light. Learn about WLANs, their components, and working. Also, learn about the architecture of networks and the principle behind WiFi

1. W-LANs
(Wireless
Networks)
Shaza Fathima A
21UPHA007

2. Table of contents
01
05
Advantages &
Disadvantages
What is WLAN?
Network
Architecture
WiFi Vs WLAN
Components
of WLAN
04
02
How does it
work?
06
03

3. What is WLAN?
A wireless local-area network (WLAN) is a group of colocated
computers or other devices that form a network based on radio
transmissions rather than wired connections. A Wi-Fi network is a type
of WLAN. WLANs are typically restricted in their diameter to buildings, a
campus, single rooms etc. and are operated by
individuals and not by large scale network
providers.

4. Evolution
1996
CSIRO patented
wireless networking
2020
WiFi 6 was launched
1970s
Cellular mobile
communication
started
1997
The first version of
the 802.11 protocol
was released
01
02
03
04

5. Components of WLAN
Station
All components connected
into the wireless medium of
the network.
Base Service Set
A set of stations that can
communicate with each
other
Access Point
It transmits and receives
data for wireless
communication
Bridge
Wired internetworking unit
to other LANS

7. How does it work?
● Several stations are connected to the
access points.
● Stations are terminals with access
mechanisms to the wireless medium
and radio contact to the AP.
● The stations and the AP which are within
the same radio coverage form a basic
service set (BSS).
● Two or more BSS are connected via a
distribution system.
● The distribution system connects the
wireless networks via the APs with a
portal, which forms the interworking unit
to other LANS.

8. How does it work?

9. Network Architecture
frameworks
Ad-Hoc Infrastructure
It does not contain
any access points.
BSS Networks
There are two types of
BSS architecture in
wireless LANs.
It contains access
points.

10. Infrastructure Networks
● Infrastructure networks
communicate through access points
in the system.
● Communication between the nodes
flows through the APs.
● It works on FIFO algorithm.
● They have a larger but fixed range
compared to adhoc networks.
● They work on Star network topology.
● Example: IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) and
HiperLAN2
Architecture of Infrastructure
IEEE 802.11 network

11. Ad-Hoc Networks
● Ad Hoc networks don't have access
points in their architecture.
● They can only communicate with the
devices in their BSS due to lack of
access points.
● They have a peer to peer topology.
● They have a very short range.
● Example: Hotspot connections,
bluetooth
Architecture of Ad Hoc IEEE
802.11 network

12. WiFi Vs WLAN
W
WiFi
W-Lan
WLANs help
devices connect
and communicate
wirelessly.
WiFi is a type of WLAN
which follows IEEE 802.11
standards
Is there any difference between WiFi and WLAN?

13. Advantages & Disadvantages
Robustness
Design & Planning
Cost
Flexibility
Safety and Security
Proprietary solutions
Quality of Service
Restrictions

14. Summary
● WLANs are restricted to a certain area.
● They function by sending data packets
from one device to another over radio
frequencies.
● They are used in hospitals, offices,
schools, etc.
● There are two types of architectures:
Infrastructure and Ad Hoc.
● Their main difference is the availability
of access points.
● WiFi is a WLAN but all WLANs are not
WiFis.

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