A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a network that uses high-frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) signals such as radio waves, lasers, and infrared rays to replace the traditional media used for transmission on a wired LAN. WLAN technology described in this document is implemented based on 802.11 standards.
802.11 was originally a wireless LAN communications standard defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in 1997. The IEEE then made amendments to the standard, forming the 802.11 family, including 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11e, 802.11g, 802.11i, 802.11n and 802.11ac.
WLAN technology allows you to easily access a wireless network and move around within the coverage of the wireless network. Wired LANs use wired cables or optical fibers as transmission media, which are expensive and have fixed locations. As further emphasis was placed on network mobility, wired LANs were unable to meet user's requirements. This led to the development of WLAN, which has become the most cost-efficient and convenient network access mode.
High network mobility: WLANs are easily connected, and are not limited by cable and port positions. This makes WLANs great for scenarios where users are often moving, such as office buildings, airport halls, resorts, hotels, stadiums, and cafes.