User’s Manual
5
2. Wireless LAN Basics
Wireless LAN (Local Area Networks) systems offer a great number of advantages over a
traditional, wired system. Wireless LANs (WLANs) are more flexible, easier to setup and
manage and often more cost effective than their wired equivalence.
Using radio frequency (RF) technology, WLANs transmit and receive data over the air,
minimizing the need for wired connections. Therefore, WLANs combine data connectivity
with user mobility, and, through simplified configuration, enable movable LANs.
With wireless LANs, users can access shared information without looking for a place to plug
in and network managers can set up or augment networks without installing or moving wires.
Wireless LANs offer the following productivity, convenience and cost advantages over
traditional wired networks:
•
Mobility - Wireless LAN systems can provide LAN users with access to real-time
information anywhere in their organization. This mobility supports productivity and
service opportunities not possible with wired networks.
•
Installation Speed and Simplicity - Installing a wireless LAN system can be fast and easy
and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings.
•
Installation Flexibility - Wireless technology allows the network to go where wires cannot
go.
•
Reduced Cost-of-Ownership - While the initial investment required for wireless LAN
hardware might be higher than the cost of wired LAN hardware, overall installation
expenses and life-cycle costs will be significantly lower. Long-term cost benefits are
greatest in dynamic environments requiring frequent moves, adds, and changes.
•
Scalability - Wireless LAN systems can be configured in a variety of topologies to meet
the needs of specific applications and installations. Configurations are easily changed
and range from peer-to-peer to full infrastructure networks, also allow roaming over a
broad area.
