Today, users increasingly need to access the resources of the global or corporate network from anywhere on the map of the city, country, world. To provide opportunities for comfortable work and entertainment, search for information using a computer, laptop, mobile phone when you are outside the office or at home, wireless technology allows. To date, the most famous local area network in the world using this technology is WLAN. What is, how does it function and how is this network connected? You will find out the answers to these questions by reading the article below.
Wireless network concept
WLAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network, which means "wireless local area network" in Russian. In the process of its work, it uses non-cable networks to establish communication and transfer data.(as in the case of a conventional wired connection), but radio frequencies. This makes it independent of a specific space and accessible to a large number of users. Wi-Fi is currently the most popular technology for transmitting information over radio waves.
Communication between WLAN and Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is an abbreviation of the term Wireless Fidelity, that is, "wireless reliability". Thanks to the use of this technology, users get access to the network throughout its coverage. Most laptops are Wi-Fi labeled, which means they are WLAN compatible.
What is the scope of a wireless network and what does it depend on? This is nothing more than a Wi-Fi coverage area within which users can move without disconnecting. As a rule, the distance over which signals can be transmitted is about 100 meters. It depends on many factors, in particular - on the number of obstacles and their type. In any case, WLAN is a more reliable connection method than cable networks. At the same time, the number of users is practically unlimited, and the range of action can be expanded by establishing overlapping (additional) access points and increasing the number of users in one zone.
WLAN in phone
You can access the virtual network not only from a computer/laptop, but also from a mobile phone. What is WLAN in the phone and how to use it? In essence, this is the usual wireless Internet, but not on a portable PC, but on your mobile phone. This feature is built into all modern models today and can be very convenient. For example, you can use Wi-Fi while sitting in a cafe or waiting for your flight at the airport - in general, in any public place where there is an appropriate coverage area. At the same time, the use of the service, as a rule, is free of charge and does not depend on the presence / absence of a SIM card. The only downside is that the battery runs out pretty quickly. You can connect Wi-Fi (WLAN) in the phone settings "Wireless networks" if you are within the range of the access point.
WLAN Benefits
Local wireless networks are used as an extension or alternative to cable networks. Their installation is absolutely justified and, moreover, it is recommended in the case when the cable is not economically feasible and inconvenient. Installing a WLAN saves the money and time required for wiring. Thus, its main advantages can be identified:
- providing access to the network and the Internet regardless of the user's location (freedom of movement + freedom to receive information);
- simplicity and fast construction speed;
- low cost of use;
- possibility of easy network expansion;
- compatible with different kinds/models of devices.
The advantages of a wireless network cannot be overestimated (whether it is used indoors or outdoors), and therefore setting up a WLAN in an apartment / house is an excellent solution for providingcomfortable work on the Internet, especially if several family members need access at once. The following will be a guide to connecting it.
Connecting and setting up a WLAN network
What is a home wireless network and what elements does it consist of? It will consist of a modem/router (access point) and one or more computers (clients). It is assumed that you already have a modem or router, an Internet connection and the necessary WLAN driver (if required, it can be easily downloaded from the network for any model of wireless adapter).
First, position your router correctly:
- it is desirable to raise it higher so that the signal spreads well throughout the living space;
- remove as far as possible from various equipment that also uses the frequency of 2, 4GHz (TV, microwave, etc.), so as not to interfere with the connection.
Step by step guide
Go to setting up an access point (that is, a router):
- Go to any browser and enter the IP address of our modem in the address bar. You can find it in the documentation that came with the device. Press the Enter button.
- We are prompted to enter a username and password. They can also be found in the relevant documents. Usually the default pair is admin/1234 (but may vary).
- Go to the main menu and find the WLAN item. How to connect a wireless network? Opposite Wireless Lan, check the box to activate. ATnext line Name (SSID) enter the name of your network (under which it will be shown in the list of available networks). Next, write the name of the region, and set the Channel field to Auto. Click "Apply".
- Go to encryption settings (various methods). Open the Wireless Settings tab and select WPA (or WPA2) - this security protocol is better than the outdated 802.1x. Next, you will need to enter a password (depending on the router model, it may be called differently - Pre-shared Key / Security Ecryption, etc.). It must be at least 15-22 characters long. Click "Accept".
- Now you need to enter the names of those devices for which access to your wireless network will be opened. Select them from the list of connected equipment in the Setup Access List (Advanced/Wireless Settings menu).
- Final touch: check the box next to Turn Access Control On. Your secure Wlan network is ready.
- What is a VPN? This is a private virtual network between an access point (router) and a computer, which is recommended for secure data transfer within the network. That's what Hotspot Shield is for.
- To configure all client computers on the network, use the setup wizard and set all the parameters that the access point uses.
Following the instructions above, you will be able to set up your own wireless WLAN network, protected by a strong encryption algorithm. Now you will have your own Wi-Fi coverage area at home - and Internet use will becomeeven more convenient and light.
