What is WLAN? How it works

WLAN is a technology that home offices, streaming and online banking have made it impossible for you to avoid. But what's actually behind the term and how does this innovative technology work?

How does WLAN work and what is meant by it?

The term WLAN is the abbreviation for "Wireless Local Area Network" and refers to a local radio network that can be used without cables.

• In order to use WLAN, you need a router. This you can rent from an Internet provider.
• The router itself receives the signal via a cable that is connected to the telephone or Internet connection.
• Your router functions as a connection between your terminal device and the Internet. It receives the data from the network and forwards it directly to the mobile device.
• The WLAN function is available on every router, but does not have to be used.
• Once you turn on the WLAN function, your router sends signals permanently. In the process, the WLAN moves on a frequency between 2,400 and 5,725 Mhz.
• The frequency can be detected by mobile devices. This provides the opportunity to set up a wireless connection.
• Once the router has confirmed access for a device, it can access the Internet.

The WLAN can provide multiple devices with wireless access to the Internet. However, the number of connected devices can throttle the speed. Außerdem sorgen Hindernisse, wie dicke Wände oder weite Distanzen dafür, dass die Frequenz nur schwach empfangen wird.