Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a network linking 2+ devices together via radio waves IO physical cables in a limited space like a home, school, or office. It lets us move around freely while staying connected to the local network and the internet.
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[2] The router/access point (AP), the central device creating the wireless network, broadcasts radio signals and manages data traffic between connected devices and the internet.
Wireless devices are laptops, smartphones, and tablets connected to the WLAN via Wi-Fi. Each one has a Wi-Fi adapter communicating to the router.
[2] The router uses radio waves to transmit data, typically on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency bands, whcih are divided into channels, which help reduce interference between multiple networks operating nearby.
Signal reception, wireless devices receive the signals through their Wi-Fi adapters, allowing them to connect to the network.
The Service Set Identifier (SSID) is the Network's unique name, broadcast by the router. Devices scan for available SSIDs to identify the networks they can connect to.
To connect, a device selects the SSID and typically enters a password for authentication. Once authenticated, the device is granted access to the network.
The router assigns an IP address to each connected device, which is used for identifying and rooting data within the network.
Data is sent and received in small units called packets. The router manages this data traffic, ensuring that packets are delivered to the correct destination, whether it's another device on the network or a server on the internet.
The router also acts as a gateway to the internet, directing data between the local network and external sites or services.
The router is connected to an internet service provider (ISP) through a modem. It facilitates internet access for all connected devices, allowing them to browse the web, stream media, and use online services
WLAN works by using a router to create a wireless network where devices connect via radio waves. The router manages data traffic, ensures secure communication through encryption, and provides internet access to connected devices.