Introduction; What Is A Wireless Lan - Lancom OAP-54 Manual

1 Introduction

1.1

What is a wireless LAN?

The following sections describe the functionality of wireless networks

in general. You can see from the table 'What your LANCOM can do'
further below which functions your device supports. Please refer to
the reference manual for further information on this topic.
A wireless LAN connects individual end-user devices (PCs and mobile compu-
ters) to form a local network (also called – Local Area Network). In contrast
to a traditional LAN, communication takes place over a wireless connection
and not over network cables. For this reason it is called a Wireless Local Area
Network (WLAN).
A wireless LAN provides the same functionality as a cable-based network:
Access to files, servers, printers etc. as well as the integration of individual
work stations into a corporate mail system or access to the Internet.
There are obvious advantages to wireless LANs: Notebooks and PCs can be
installed where they are needed—problems with missing connections or
structural changes are a thing of the past with wireless networks.
Apart from that, wireless LANs can also be used for connections over longer
distances. Expensive leased lines and the associated construction measures
can be saved.
LANCOM Wireless Routers and LANCOM Access Points can be opera-

ted either as self-sufficient Access Points with their own configuration
(WLAN modules in "Access Point mode") or as components in a WLAN
infrastructure, which is controlled from a central WLAN-Controller
("managed mode").
Split management can be used to separate the WLAN configuration
from the rest of the router configuration. This allows router settings
and VPN settings to be adjusted locally, for example in a branch office
or home office installation, and the WLAN configuration is regulated
by a LANCOM WLAN Controller at the main office.
Please observe the corresponding notices to this in this documenta-
tion or in the LCOS reference manual.
LANCOM OAP-54 Wireless and LANCOM OAP-310agn Wireless
Chapter 1: Introduction
9