WLAN - what is it and how to use it? How to connect and configure the WLAN?

Today, users increasingly need to access the resources of a worldwide or corporate network from anywhere on the map of the city, country, or world. Provide opportunities for comfortable work and entertainment, search for information using a computer, laptop, mobile phone while out of office or at home allows wireless technology. To date, the most famous local network using this technology is WLAN. What is it, how does this network function and how? You will find out the answers to these questions by reading the article below.

The concept of wireless networking

WLAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network, which means "wireless local area network" in Russian. In the course of its work, to establish communication and data transmission, it uses non-cable networks (as in the case of a conventional wired connection), and radio frequencies. This makes it independent of a particular space and accessible to a large number of users. The most popular technology for transmitting information over the air is Wi-Fi.

Connection between WLAN and Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is an abbreviation obtained as a result of the reduction of the term Wireless Fidelity, that is, "wireless reliability". Thanks to the use of this technology, users have access to the network throughout its coverage. Most laptops have a Wi-Fi tag, which means they are compatible with WLAN networks.

What is the scope of the wireless network and what does it depend on? This is nothing more than a Wi-Fi coverage area within which users can move without breaking the connection. As a rule, the distance to 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 way of connecting than cable networks. At the same time, the number of users is practically unlimited, and the range of actions can be expanded by establishing overlapping (additional) access points and increasing the number of users in one zone.

WLAN on the phone

Access to the virtual network can be obtained not only from the computer / laptop, but also from the mobile. What is the WLAN in the phone and how do I use it? In essence, this is the usual wireless Internet, but not on a laptop PC, but on your mobile phone. This function is now built into all modern models and can be very convenient. For example, you can use Wi-Fi, sitting in a cafe or waiting for your flight at the airport - in general, in any public place where there is a corresponding coverage area. At the same time, the use of the service is usually free of charge and does not depend on the presence / absence of the SIM card. The only drawback is that the battery sits fast enough. You can connect Wi-Fi (WLAN) in the settings of the phone "Wireless networks", if you are within the radius of the access point.

Benefits of WLAN

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 inexpedient and inconvenient. Installing a WLAN allows you to save money and time, which are required for laying wires. Thus, it is possible to single out its main advantages:

• Providing access to the network and the Internet, regardless of the location of the user (freedom of movement + freedom to obtain information);
• Simplicity and fast build speed;
• Low cost of use;
• The possibility of an easy expansion of the network;
• Compatibility with different types / models of devices.

The advantages of a wireless network can not be overemphasized (whether it is used indoors or outside), and therefore WLAN configuration in an apartment / house is an excellent solution for providing comfortable work on the Internet, especially if access is required to several family members. Next, a guide to its connection will be given.

WLAN connection and configuration

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, an Internet connection and a necessary WLAN driver (if required, you can easily download it on the network for any model of the wireless adapter).

First of all, the router should be positioned correctly:

• It is desirable to raise it higher so that the signal spreads well throughout the living room;
• Remove at the maximum distance from different equipment, also using a frequency of 2.4GHz (TV, microwave, etc.), so as not to interfere with the connection.

Walkthrough

Go to the configuration of the access point (i.e., the router):

1. 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 your device. Press the Enter button.
2. We are invited to enter a login and password. They can also be found in the relevant documents. Typically, the default pair is admin / 1234 (but may differ).
3. We get to the main menu and find the WLAN point. How to connect a wireless network? Opposite to Wireless Lan we put a tick for activation. On the next line Name (SSID) enter the name of your network (under which it will be shown in the list of available networks). Next, we write the name of the region, and in the Channel field put Auto. Click "Apply".
4. Let's move on to the encryption settings (different 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 model of the router, it can be called differently - Pre-shared Key / Security Ecryption, etc.). It must be at least 15-22 characters. Click "Accept".
5. Now you need to register the names of those devices for which you will be granted access to your wireless network. Select them from the list of connected equipment in the Setup Access List (Advanced / Wireless Settings menu).
6. The final touch: opposite the point Turn Access Control On put a tick. Your secure Wlan network is ready.
7. What is VPN? This is a private virtual network between the access point (router) and the computer, which is recommended for safe transfer of data within the network. For this, there is a Hotspot Shield program.
8. To configure all network client computers, use the configuration wizard and set all those parameters that the access point uses.

Following the above instructions, you can configure the wireless WLAN network itself, protected by a reliable encryption algorithm. Now you will have your own Wi-Fi coverage area - and using the Internet will become even more convenient and easy.