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
building), or anywhere a traditional network cannot be
deployed for logistical reasons.
Benefits include user mobility in the coverage area, speed and
military spin-off, WLANs also provide security features such
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
(2003-09-23)