WLAN is the English acronym for Wireless Local Area Network, which in Portuguese means "Local Wireless Network". It is a local area network that uses radio waves to transmit data and to connect to the Internet, without the need to use traditional cables to connect devices.
Initially equipment for a WLAN was very expensive, so it was only used in large corporations. With the reduction in equipment costs, individuals also gained access.
One of the technologies used by WLAN is the Wi-Fi transmission standard (Wireless Fidelity), which allows the connection of laptops, cell phones, PDAs, etc., that are not too far from the access point.
A WLAN connection is useful for both businesses and private homes. In companies, it allows employees to have quick access to data, and at home, it allows Internet connection for the whole family.
Connections were once thought to be faster and safer over wired networks, a notion that is no longer true today with the speed and security provided by WLAN.
The security of a WLAN is done through user authentication, preventing unauthorized access; and with data encryption, to protect data transmitted over the network.
