Today, users increasingly have a need to gain access to the resources of a worldwide or corporate network from anywhere on the map of a city, country, world. Provide opportunities for comfortable work and entertainment, searching for information using a computer, laptop, mobile phone when staying outside the office or at home allows wireless technology. Today, the most famous local network in the world using this technology is WLAN. What is, how does this network function and how is it connected? You will learn the answers to these questions by reading the article below.
Wireless network concept
WLAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network, which in Russian means "wireless local area network". In the process of its work, for the establishment of communication and data transfer, it uses not cable networks (as in the case of a conventional wired connection), but radio frequencies. This makes it space-independent and accessible to a large number of users. The most popular technology for transmitting information on radio waves at the moment is Wi-Fi.
Connectivity between WLAN and Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is an abbreviation derived from the abbreviation of the term Wireless Fidelity, that is, “wireless reliability”. Through the use of this technology, users gain access to the network throughout its coverage area. Most laptops have a Wi-Fi mark - this means that they are compatible with WLAN networks.
What is wireless network coverage and what does it depend on? This is nothing more than a Wi-Fi coverage area within which users can navigate without disconnecting. As a rule, the distance over which signal transmission is possible 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 way to connect 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 the phone
Access to the virtual network can be obtained not only from a computer / laptop, but also from a mobile. What is the WLAN in the phone and how to use it? In fact, this is the usual wireless Internet, but not on a laptop, but on your mobile phone. This feature is now integrated into all modern models 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. Moreover, the use of the service, as a rule, is free and does not depend on the presence / absence of a SIM card. The only negative is that the battery dies quickly enough. You can connect Wi-Fi (WLAN) in the settings of your phone "Wireless Networks", if you are within 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, is recommended in the case when the cable is economically impractical and inconvenient. Installing a WLAN saves you the money and time it takes to wire. Thus, we can distinguish its main advantages:
- providing access to the network and the Internet, regardless of the location of the user (freedom of movement + freedom to receive information);
- simplicity and fast building speed;
- low cost of use;
- the ability to easily expand the network;
- compatibility with various types / models of devices.
It is difficult to overestimate the advantages of a wireless network (whether it is used indoors or outside), and therefore setting up a WLAN in an apartment / house is an excellent solution for ensuring comfortable work on the Internet, especially if several family members need access at once. Next will be given a guide to connecting it.
Connect and configure a WLAN
What is a home wireless network and from what elements is it built? 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, Internet access and the necessary WLAN driver (if required, it can be easily downloaded online for any model of wireless adapter).
To start, you should correctly position the router:
- it is advisable to raise it higher so that the signal spreads well throughout the living room;
- remove to the maximum distance from various equipment that also uses a frequency of 2.4 GHz (TV, microwave, etc.), so as not to interfere with the connection.
Walkthrough
We proceed to configure the access point (that is, the router):
- We go into 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 asked to enter a username and password. They can also be found in the relevant documents. Usually, the default admin / 1234 pair is used (but they may differ).
- We get to the main menu and find the WLAN item. How to connect a wireless network? Opposite the Wireless Lan, check the box to activate. In the next 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 in the Channel field set Auto. Click "Apply."
- We turn to the encryption settings (various methods). Open the Wireless Settings tab and select WPA (or WPA2) - this protection protocol is better than legacy 802.1x. Next, you will need to enter a password (depending on the model of the router, it may be called differently - Pre-shared Key / Security Ecryption, etc.). It must be at least 15-22 characters. Click "Accept".
- Now you need to register the names of those devices for which access to your wireless network will be open. Select them from the list of connected equipment in the Setup Access List (Advanced / Wireless Settings menu).
- The 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 the access point (router) and the computer, which is recommended to be used for secure data transfer within the network. For this there is a program Hotspot Shield.
- To configure all network client computers, use the setup wizard and set all the parameters that the access point uses.
Following the instructions above, you can configure your own wireless WLAN network, which is protected by a strong
encryption algorithm. Now you will have your own Wi-Fi coverage area at home - and using the Internet will become even more convenient and easy.