Chapter 6. Using Wireless LANs

Wireless LAN Overview

Devices on a wireless LAN (WLAN) transmit and receive data using radio or infrared signals, sent through an access point (AP). WLANs function similarly to Ethernet LANs with the access point providing connectivity to the rest of the network as would a hub or switch. WLANs use an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard that defines the physical and data link specifications, including the use of Media Access Control (MAC) addresses. The same protocols (such as IP) and applications (such as IPSec) can run over both wired and wireless LANs.

WLANs are local to a building or a campus, use customer-owned equipment, and are not usually required to have radio frequency (RF) licenses. ...

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