Wireless LAN

A wireless local area network (WLAN) links two or more devices using some wireless distribution method (typically spread-spectrum or OFDM radio), and usually providing a connection through an access point to the wider internet.

Norman Abramson, a professor at the University of Hawaii, developed the world’s first wireless computer communication network, ALOHAnet, using low-cost ham-like radios.

The first generation of wireless data modems was developed in the early 1980s by amateur radio operators, who commonly referred to this as packet radio.

Wireless LANs were being used in hospitals, stock exchanges, and other in building and campus settings for nomadic access, point-to-point LAN bridges, ad-hoc networking, and even larger applications through internet working.


Since 2002 there has been newer standard added to 802.11; 802.11n which operates on both the 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz bands at 300 Mbit/s, most newer routers including those manufactured by Apple Inc. can broadcast a wireless network on both wireless bands, this is called dualband.

Wireless stations fall into one of two categories: access points, and clients.

Access points (APs), normally routers, are base stations for the wireless network.

Every BSS has an identification (ID) called the BSSID, which is the MAC address of the access point servicing the BSS.


An independent BSS (IBSS) is an ad-hoc network that contains no access points, which means they can not connect to any other basic service set.

A distribution system (DS) connects access points in an extended service set.

Wireless devices within range of each other can discover and communicate directly without involving central access points.

In infrastructure mode, mobile units communicate through an access point that serves as a bridge to a wired network infrastructure.

A wireless Ethernet bridge allows the connection of devices on a wired Ethernet network to a wireless network.


A Wireless Distribution System enables the wireless interconnection of access points in an IEEE 802.11 network.

It allows a wireless network to be expanded using multiple access points without the need for a wired backbone to link them, as is traditionally required.

An access point can be either a main, relay or remote base station.

A remote base station accepts connections from wireless clients and passes them to relay or main stations.

When it is difficult to connect all of the access points in a network by wires, it is also possible to put up access points as repeaters.