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Appendix A - Wireless Basics
Wireless Basics
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that transmits and receives data with radio signals instead of wires. Wireless LANs are used increasingly in both home and office environments, and public areas such as airports, coffee shops and universities. Innovative ways to utilize WLAN technology are helping people to work and communicate more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other fixed infrastructure have proven to be beneficial for many users.
Wireless users can use the same applications they use on a wired network. Wireless adapters used on laptop and desktop systems support the same protocols as Ethernet adapter cards.
Under many circumstances, it may be desirable for mobile network devices to link to a conventional Ethernet LAN in order to use servers, printers or an Internet connection supplied through the wired LAN. A wireless router is a device used to provide this link.
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