The Lowdown on Home Network: Understanding WLAN vs Wi-Fi
- by Rocky Rockefeller
- ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ 3 Min Read
Wi-Fi and WLAN are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences: Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to a network using radio waves, while WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) is a term used to describe any wireless network that uses IEEE 802.11 standards. - Dissimilarities Exist Between Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Networks
Everyone knows the drill: "Can I get the Wi-Fi password, please?" But it's not always correct to use the terms Wi-Fi and home network interchangeably. These two terms are branded into everyday language like Kleenex or Polaroid, but there's more to them than meets the eye.
WLAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network, and it's the heart of your home network. Though it might seem technical, WLAN is simply your trusty wireless network when we talk about your personal setting. Even if you find public WLANs in cafes or parks, they operate within a predefined range, just like your home network.
Wi-Fi, on the other hand, is the brand name developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance, a heavy-hitter organization in the network industry. Big players like Apple, Cisco, Dell, Sony, and Qualcomm are their key sponsors. Wi-Fi isn't just wireless sound fidelity; it also signifies a standard for wireless network connections. Products that bear Wi-Fi certification from the Wi-Fi Alliance meet specific requirements.
That said, all Wi-Fi-enabled devices connect to a wireless network (WLAN), but not every wireless network follows the Wi-Fi standard for communication. Other wireless communication methods, such as Bluetooth, LTE, 5G, and satellite communication, are other examples.
Decoding Wi-Fi Standards
The Wi-Fi Alliance has continually introduced new wireless standards over the years, leading to improved range and bandwidth for our home network. Engineers achieve this, in part, by changing the frequencies at which Wi-Fi operates, akin to radio waves. By 2025, most routers are expected to work on two different frequency bands, with short waves offering more bandwidth and long waves covering a greater distance.
Here's a rundown of the Wi-Fi standards:
- Wi-Fi 1 (IEEE 802.11b) offers a maximum transmission rate of 11 Megabits per second (Mbps) and began service in 1999.
- Wi-Fi 2 (IEEE 802.11a) hit the market simultaneously with 802.11b and offers up to 54 Mbps, but it operates on higher frequency bands, resulting in a shorter range.
- Wi-Fi 3 (IEEE 802.11g) was introduced in 2003 and combines the benefits of 802.11a and 802.11b, providing up to 54 Mbps with a broader range.
- Wi-Fi 4 (IEEE 802.11n) debuted in 2009, expanded range, and increased the transmission rate up to 600 Mbps.
- Wi-Fi 5 (IEEE 802.11ac) hit the scene in 2014, supporting speeds of up to several 1.3 Gigabits per second (Gbps).
- Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) is the widely-used version as of 2023, offering a maximum bandwidth of 11 Gbps.
- Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) is the latest Wi-Fi standard, with a transmission rate of up to 46 Gbps and access to three frequency bands – 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz – for the first time in 2024.
Wi-Fi Facts You Should Know
Important: Wi-Fi is backward compatible, and a smartphone with Wi-Fi 5 can still connect to a Wi-Fi 7 network. When setting up your home network, opting for a router with the latest Wi-Fi is the easiest approach. However, investing in a mesh network that works with Wi-Fi 6 might be more sensible if you have multiple devices. A mesh network offers multiple access points, automatically selecting the one with the strongest signal.
Other important facts to consider when using your home network include:
- Choosing a Wi-Fi standard is essential because cheaper routers may only support older Wi-Fi versions, limiting their ability to support newer technologies or handle multiple devices concurrently.
- Mesh networks can enable seamless connectivity throughout your home, with automatic handoff to nearby access points as you move around.
- A higher-speed router won't necessarily improve your internet speed if your internet plan isn't fast enough. Before upgrading your router, consider if your internet service provider offers a faster plan.
- Security is critical when setting up a home network. Use strong, unique passwords and enable WPA3 encryption to keep your network secure.
- Be mindful of your location when setting up a home network. Place your router in a central location, away from walls and interference sources like cordless phones and microwaves, to improve signal strength and performance.
So, now you know the subtle differences between WLAN and Wi-Fi, and you're a step closer to being an expert on wireless networks. Go forth and connect with confidence!
- WLAN
- Router
- Tissue
- Home network
- Apple
- Cisco Systems
- Dell
- Sony
- Qualcomm
Wi-Fi Standards in Summary
The following chart summarizes key Wi-Fi standards and their corresponding transmission rates:
| Wi-Fi Standard | Release Year | Maximum Theoretical Speed | Key Features ||---------------|-------------|----------------------------|--------------|| Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) | 2009 | Up to 600 Mbps | Improved range and speed || Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | 2013 | Up to 1.9 Gbps | Higher speeds on 5 GHz band || Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 2019 | Up to 9.6 Gbps | Improved capacity, lower latency (OFDMA, MU-MIMO) || Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Expected 2024 | Up to 46 Gbps | Higher speeds, more bandwidth (320 MHz), Multi-Link Operation (MLO) |
- The Commission has also adopted a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of employees against risks related to exposure to chemical substances in data-and-cloud-computing facilities, as the technology evolves and becomes more prevalent in the workplace.
- As more devices are connected to our home network via Wi-Fi, it is crucial to invest in technology that ensures the protection of our employees and families against the risks associated with chemical substances, such as air purifiers or anti-allergenic materials, to maintain a safe and healthy home environment.
