Glossary
FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7390
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wireless structure. A further useful purpose for WLAN tech-
nology is to link segments of existing cable-connected
networks.
Although WLAN was actually developed only for short-
range connections, by cascading WLAN access points or
implementing transmission networks with high-power
point-to-point radio transmission, even network segments
located further from each other can be linked or network
participants in relatively remote locations can be econom-
ically and easily integrated into an existing network.
WLAN access points often also serve as access points to
the Internet in private or public institutions. Many air-
ports, hotels and cafes, for instance, make WLAN hotspots
available to their customers, either free or subject to a
charge. Ultimately this has maneuvered WLAN into serious
competition with mobile UMTS technology.
The application possibilities for wireless network commu-
nication also overlap with Bluetooth technology. For mo-
bile devices with limited energy capacity Bluetooth is the
more useful solution, however, as Bluetooth uses consid-
erably less power than wireless LAN. What is more, Blue-
tooth technology is more flexible and thus can offer a
greater bandwidth of potential applications.
