| A home wireless network can be set up using | | | | point if an existing Ethernet home network is |
| wireless local area network (WLAN) devices. A | | | | extended. The access point must be cabled to |
| wireless LAN has a wireless interface that enables | | | | the switch, hub or LAN router.Unlike cellular |
| wireless communication amongst the computers | | | | networks with fixed frequencies, users in WLANs |
| and peripheral devices that are a part of the LAN. | | | | have to share frequencies, which sometimes lead |
| A wireless LAN has limited range and is designed | | | | to collisions. The choice of frequency depends on |
| to be used only in a local environment such as a | | | | whether microwave, spread spectrum, or infrared |
| building, office complex or home. The main | | | | communication is being used.The primary WLAN |
| advantage is the flexibility and mobility provided | | | | standards include the IEEE-802.11 series and |
| by a wireless LAN.A wireless home network can | | | | HiperLAN. The IEEE-802.11 (Wi-Fi) standard |
| be installed easily by connecting a wireless router | | | | supports 1 Mbps data rate and several choices of |
| to the network. The router must be placed in a | | | | physical medium such as spread spectrum and |
| central location within the home. Computers which | | | | infrared. An additional feature of this standard is |
| are placed close to the router, or in the same | | | | the battery conservation for inactive or idle |
| room as the router, receive better network | | | | wireless users. Faster 54 Mbit/s 802.11a (5 GHz) |
| speed. Most wireless routers support broadband | | | | and 802.11g (2.4 GHz) standards are now available. |
| modems while others support phone line | | | | New standards beyond the 802.11 specifications, |
| connections. Each computer connected to the | | | | such as 802.16(WiMAX), are currently being |
| wireless LAN must have a wireless LAN card | | | | developed and offer several enhancements such |
| installed.It is mandatory to name the wireless | | | | as longer range and faster transfer speeds.The |
| network and to ensure that all the computers on | | | | HiperLAN standard can be used to support 23.5 |
| the WLAN share the same network name. | | | | Mbps channel rates. However, it allows use of only |
| Though a wireless router contains a built in access | | | | spread spectrum physical medium and is not very |
| point, one may have to use a wireless access | | | | popular. |