Connecting to the Internet
Using a WLAN

Using a WLAN


With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.

NOTE:

The terms wireless router and wireless access point are often used interchangeably.

A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless router, which allows several wireless and wired computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without requiring additional pieces of hardware or software.
A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points that can accommodate a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical network functions.

To use the WLAN device, you must connect to a WLAN infrastructure (provided through a service provider or a public or corporate network).

This section provides information about the following topics: