WLAN
    n 1: a local area network that uses high frequency radio signals
         to transmit and receive data over distances of a few
         hundred feet; uses ethernet protocol [syn: wireless local
         area network, WLAN, wireless fidelity, WiFi]

	

	WLAN
       Wireless Local Area Network (LAN, WLAN, IEEE)

	

	wireless local area network
LAWN
WiLAN
WLAN

    (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
   client node-dense locale (e.g. a campus or office
   building), or anywhere a traditional network cannot be
   deployed for logistical reasons.

   Benefits include user mobility in the coverage area, speed and
   simplicity of physical setup, and scalability.  Being a
   military spin-off, WLANs also provide security features such
   as encryption, frequency hopping, and firewalls.  Some
   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
   (http://standards.ieee.org/getieee802/).  Recent developments
   include the Bluetooth project and other WPAN, or Personal
   Area Network initiatives, accessible through IEEE 802.15
   working group (http://grouper.ieee.org/groups/802/15/).

   Wireless Lan Association (http://wlana.org/).

   Usenet newsgroups: news:comp.dcom.lans.misc,
   news:comp.std.wireless.

   (2003-09-23)