In professional settings, the wireless concept is still unclear. Depending on the wireless setting or use case at hand, my interpretation of wireless LAN may differ from your interpretation. Wi-Fi and WLAN are both types of wireless LAN technology, but they serve distinct functions. Wi-Fi is a subset of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), which uses radio technology to establish device connections. This article will explain what a WLAN Connection is, what a WLAN Security Setting is, and how it differs (vs) from WiFi.
What Is a Wlan
A wireless local-area network (WLAN) is a network of colocated computers or other devices that uses radio broadcasts rather than connected connections to build a network. A WLAN is a type of network; everyone who is connected to Wi-Fi while reading this page is utilizing a WLAN.
WLAN and WiFi have transformed many things and ushered in a new digital age. People are not only connected to one another online, but they may do so in a more convenient manner. People who have never used wired internet will find it exceedingly difficult to acclimate. Even people who have worked in a sedentary position will have a difficult time returning to a workplace with no wireless internet connectivity.
What Is a Wlan Connection
This is a wireless connection of two or more devices to build a small-scale local area network. WLAN connections, as opposed to wired connections, rely on high-frequency radio waves and frequently contain an Internet access point.
Wlan Connection is the world’s most popular computer network. These are frequently referred to as Wi-Fi, a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. They are used for home and small office networks that connect laptop computers, printers, smartphones, Web TVs, and gaming devices to the internet via a wireless router. Hotspots supplied by routers in restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, libraries, and airports allow customers to use portable wireless devices to connect to the internet.
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What Is a Wlan Security Setting
A wireless network provides numerous advantages to small enterprises, including cost savings. The benefits of using WLAN are numerous, ranging from easing connections to both wired and wireless devices to providing instant access to the Internet from anywhere in the office. Setting up a wireless LAN is also easier and less expensive than a conventional connection, which is why this technology is popular among organizations.
Regardless of the benefits, the security of a wireless network should be taken seriously. Because of all the network equipment, including Wireless Routers and access points, as well as dozens of relevant configurations, even a minor configuration error can result in a catastrophic breach of security.
Certain WLAN configuration adjustments can be made to assure the entire security of the wireless network. Any organization can increase the security of its network by following these easy but sometimes neglected steps:
#1. Change all Usernames and Passwords
Believe it or not, one of the most prevalent causes of network security breaches is users forgetting to change the default username and password. The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is frequently the name of the service provider, and the password is “password” by default. Hackers are well aware that users frequently fail to alter the SSID setting from the default, allowing them simple access to the network setup. It is critical that the system administrator change the SSID, account names, and passwords to fully hide random combinations of more than ten characters and numbers.
#2. Enable User Authentication
This easy WLAN configuration change can significantly improve network security. Enabling this setting allows only authorized users to connect to the network and prevents others from gaining unwanted access. User authentication can be enabled in two ways: through 802.1.1X/EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) address filtering and through MAC (Media Access Control) address filtering. Consider turning off DHCP on the router points and switching to fixed IP addresses from dynamic IP addresses.
#3. Turning Data Encryption ON
All WLAN equipment has encryption in the form of the WEP, WPA, and WPA2 security protocols. WPA (Wi-Fi protected access) and WPA2 are preferable to WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) because the former uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), which can give greater encryption. It is critical to configure every WLAN device to use the same encryption protocol and to ensure that even older WPA or WPA2 incompatible devices are upgraded to support the latest protocols.
#4. Switching on Built-in Firewalls
Many firms’ wireless routers and access points use built-in firewalls to provide an extra degree of protection. This parameter should always be enabled by a network administrator to create another barrier to malicious traffic invading the network. People prefer to dismiss this setting as trivial, but the data show otherwise.
#5. Hide WiFi broadcasts
Businesses can make their WLAN harder to trace by turning off the broadcast capability of a router’s SSID setting and access points. As it occurs, networking equipment broadcasts the SSID of a wireless network on a regular basis, which may assist users in identifying a free public hotspot but is entirely unnecessary in the case of a private firm. Following these basic procedures will greatly improve network security and keep you secure from breaches.
Read Also: How To Share WiFi Password to Mac
Wlan vs WiFi
What is the difference between WLAN and WiFi? When completing wireless network installations for both commercial WiFi and home networks, we are frequently asked this question. It’s actually simpler than you might imagine. WLAN is a subset of WiFi, and both allow users to connect to the internet wirelessly. WiFi, on the other hand, is not the only sort of wireless LAN network.
The Wifi Specialist’s skilled WiFi engineers are here to answer any of your WLAN versus WiFi queries. Continue reading to learn about the differences and similarities between WLAN and WiFi. Alternatively, contact our expert staff today to learn more. You will locate the ideal internet network for your house or business with the help of our skilled assistance.
#1. What Is A WLAN?
A WLAN, or Wireless Local Area Network, is any internet network that allows several devices to communicate without the use of wires. This is an excellent method for reducing clutter in your home or business. A WLAN network will link all of your computers, printers, phones, and other internet-enabled devices together.
Your gadgets will communicate digitally, which eliminates the need for tangled Ethernet wires. WLAN technology is a wireless variation of classic LAN technology. A LAN network is a collection of devices that share the same internet connection. They are typically used to connect devices in a local geographical area. WLAN technology, on the other hand, can cover larger areas.
#2. What Is WiFi?
WiFi refers to wireless signals used to link internet-enabled devices such as computers, phones, and game consoles. WiFi is the most popular method of connecting to the internet in the modern era. Each of your gadgets receives a signal from a router. The gadget then transmits your signal to the router.
WiFi has evolved at a breakneck pace throughout the years. As a result, many customers are experiencing connectivity troubles as a result of utilizing an outdated router. Contact the WiFi specialist immediately for the best WiFi installation for your home, restaurant, coffee shop, or event. We provide a variety of WiFi solutions to ensure that you have the latest technology and a crystal-clear connection for all of your devices.
#3. WLAN Vs WiFi
WiFi and WLAN are extremely similar terms. This is why many people wonder, “What’s the difference between WLAN and WiFi?” WiFi is a form of WLAN, in theory. They both send internet signals to a network of devices from a router. The distinction is that WiFi is not the only type of WLAN available.
Anyone can usually join a WiFi network if they have the password. Some WLAN networks have tighter security, and each user must log in separately. This makes them extremely popular among enterprises. WLAN and WiFi have different ranges. WLAN signals can travel up to 300 feet, but they struggle to maintain a robust outdoor connection.
WiFi has an indoor range of 150 feet and an outdoor range of 300 feet. As a result, WiFi is preferred for festival and outdoor event connectivity. WiFi and WLAN both enable users to connect to the internet without using wires. This enables you to add extra users or devices without purchasing a new cable.
Where Is Wlan Located on My Phone?
Tap Settings (System settings) > System (All settings) > Wireless & Networks > WLAN. Tap the WLAN slider to turn WLAN on. The device will scan for available WLAN networks and display a list of network names.
Does Wlan Require Internet?
You might find it funny that you can use a WiFi router without the Internet. You can use either a wired or wireless connection. But it will only be used for certain things. You can do the following things with a WiFi router that is not connected to the internet.
How Do I Check My Wlan Status?
Select the Start button, then type settings. Select Settings > Network & Internet. The status of your network connection will appear at the top. Windows 10 lets you quickly check your network connection status.
How Do I Enable or Disable Wlan?
Select Control Panel from the Start menu. Click the area labeled “Network and Internet,” then click “Networking and Sharing Center.” Choose Change adapter settings from the list on the left. Right-click on the Wireless Connection button and then click “Enable.”
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