Editor Says
The mobile network section indicates “Wireless Local Area Network,” while my friends’ phones show Wi-Fi. Why is this so confusing? Are they not the same thing? Many, including myself, believe that Wireless Local Area Network = Wi-Fi, but this is actually not the case.
What is WLAN?
WLAN, or Wireless Local Area Networks, is a system that uses Radio Frequency (RF) technology for data transmission. This technology was not developed to replace wired local area networks but to complement them, allowing for network extension. This enables wireless local area networks to provide users with seamless connectivity without the need for cables or distance limitations.
WLAN uses the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, Medical) radio frequency bands for communication. The WLAN 802.11a standard operates at the 5 GHz band, supporting a maximum speed of 54 Mbps, while the 802.11b and 802.11g standards operate at the 2.4 GHz band, supporting maximum speeds of 11 Mbps and 54 Mbps, respectively. Current WLAN protocols include: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11E, IEEE 802.11i, and Wireless Application Protocol (WAP).
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) technology is simply a method of connecting to the internet wirelessly. Previously, computers were connected via cables, but now they connect through radio waves. The Wi-Fi Alliance, also known as the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA), was established in 1999 and was renamed Wi-Fi Alliance in October 2002. Like Bluetooth technology, it is a short-range wireless technology used in offices and homes. This technology operates in the unlicensed frequency band near 2.4 GHz.
Differences Between WLAN and Wi-Fi
In simple terms, WLAN is a general term for wireless local area networks, while Wi-Fi is just one commercial certification standard of WLAN! Products with Wi-Fi certification comply with IEEE 802.11abgn and ac wireless network specifications, making it the most widely used WLAN standard today, but it does not equal WLAN.
The coverage range of Wi-Fi can reach about 300 feet (approximately 90 meters), while WLAN can extend up to 5 km (with antennas). WLAN offers a wider coverage area for wireless internet access, while Wi-Fi is more suitable for smart devices like smartphones and tablets.
Content compiled from the internet
