LAN / WLAN
Local Area Network – a local network connecting devices in an office or building. WLAN is the wireless variant over Wi-Fi.
LAN and WLAN are the invisible foundation of every business. Without a stable, performant network, cloud apps, VoIP and video calls don’t work. With Wi-Fi 6E/7 and modern management, WLANs now reach speeds that used to require cables.
What is LAN / WLAN?
A LAN (Local Area Network) connects devices (PCs, printers, servers, IoT) within a limited area (office, building, campus). Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) is the standard for wired LANs (1–100 Gbit/s). WLAN (Wireless LAN) uses radio (IEEE 802.11, Wi-Fi). Current standards: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax, up to 9.6 Gbit/s theoretical), Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, up to 46 Gbit/s). Switches connect wired devices; access points provide WLAN; routers connect the LAN to the internet.
How does LAN / WLAN work?
In a LAN, devices communicate over Ethernet. Each has a MAC address and an IP. Switches learn MACs and forward frames. VLANs split one physical network into logical segments (e.g. guest, staff, servers). DHCP assigns IPs; DNS resolves names. WPA3 encrypts WLAN. Enterprise WLANs often use 802.1X with certificates or a RADIUS server.
Practical Examples
Office network: 50 desks on Gigabit Ethernet, APs for WLAN, VLANs for staff and guests, firewall to the internet.
Enterprise WLAN: Hundreds of APs in a building, central controller, seamless roaming between floors.
Home office: Wi-Fi 6 router, mesh for coverage, VPN to the company network.
Factory: Industrial APs (dust/moisture resistant) for IoT sensors and mobile scanners.
Typical Use Cases
Office: Connect all workstations, printers and servers
Guest Wi-Fi: Separate network for visitors, internet only
VoIP and video: Stable link with QoS for calls and meetings
IoT: Wi-Fi for sensors, cameras and building automation
Remote work: VPN from home over Wi-Fi to the company network
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Wired LAN: Highest speed and reliability (up to 100 Gbit/s)
- WLAN: Mobility and flexible layout
- VLANs: Segmentation without extra hardware
- Wi-Fi 6/7: Multi-gigabit wireless
- Central management for large networks
Disadvantages
- WLAN: Interference (microwave, Bluetooth, neighbouring networks, walls)
- Security: Open or weak WLAN is an entry point for attackers
- Shared medium: WLAN bandwidth is shared among users
- Cabling: Running cables in existing buildings can be costly
- Coverage: Large buildings may need many APs
Frequently Asked Questions about LAN / WLAN
Ethernet or WLAN for workstations?
How do I secure company WLAN?
What does enterprise WLAN cost?
Related Terms
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