Wireless LAN

<p>A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a <a href="/facts/Wireless_computer_network/yr4SWTdl">wireless computer network</a> that links two or more devices using <a href="/facts/Wireless_communication/GfDoFwfo">wireless communication</a> to form a <a href="/facts/Local_area_network/edUDxJ6J">local area network</a> (LAN) within a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, campus, or office building. This gives users the ability to move around within the area and remain connected to the network. Through a <a href="/facts/Gateway_(telecommunications)/YTYSqhqN">gateway</a>, a WLAN can also provide a connection to the wider <a href="/facts/Internet/Xw1rVvJU">Internet</a>.
</p><p>Wireless LANs based on the <a href="/facts/IEEE_802.11/ryEGu6Vq">IEEE 802.11</a> standards are the most widely used computer networks in the world. These are commonly called <a href="/facts/Wi-Fi/u94quCsx">Wi-Fi</a>, which is a trademark belonging to the <a href="/facts/Wi-Fi_Alliance/wLKqvvJW">Wi-Fi Alliance</a>. They are used for home and small office networks that link together <a href="/facts/Laptop_computer/3EFwTAb2">laptop computers</a>, <a href="/facts/Printer_(computing)/PnDF2QuF">printers</a>, <a href="/facts/Smartphone/cSIrBMWG">smartphones</a>, <a href="/facts/Web_TV/D6aUck27">Web TVs</a> and gaming devices through a <a href="/facts/Wireless_router/E1ye7RVV">wireless network router</a>, which in turn may link them to the Internet. <a href="/facts/Hotspot_(Wi-Fi)/shp4YUHc">Hotspots</a> provided by routers at restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, libraries, and airports allow consumers to access the internet with portable wireless devices.
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Wireless LAN open-in-new

Wireless LAN