{"id":11474,"date":"2011-07-26T14:07:02","date_gmt":"2011-07-26T14:07:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/wireless-network\/"},"modified":"2024-11-13T18:31:14","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T18:31:14","slug":"wireless-network","status":"publish","type":"definition","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/wireless-network","title":{"rendered":"Wireless Network"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span id=\"what_is_a_wireless_network\">What is a Wireless Network?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A wireless network is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/25597\/computer-network\">computer network<\/a> that uses <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5083\/radio-frequency-rf\">radio frequencies<\/a> (RFs) to connect multiple <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2185\/device\">devices<\/a> in the same location. Wireless networks are now the most common source of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2419\/internet\">Internet<\/a> connectivity, used in mobile <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5570\/telecommunications\">telecoms<\/a> systems, corporate networks, and at home.<\/p>\n<p>The prevalence of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/10035\/wireless-fidelity-wi-fi\">Wi-Fi <\/a>has made the term synonymous with wireless networking. However, it&#8217;s only one of many different wireless modalities. Wireless networks can also be based on technologies like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/8149\/long-term-evolution-lte\">LTE<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/28325\/fifth-generation-wireless-5g\">5G<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/26198\/bluetooth\">Bluetooth<\/a>, and others.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Wireless-Network.jpg\" alt=\"What is a Wireless Network?\" width=\"1200\" height=\"526\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-353534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Wireless-Network.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Wireless-Network-300x132.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Wireless-Network-1024x449.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Wireless-Network-768x337.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Wireless-Network-1536x674.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Wireless-Network-1200x526.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Wireless-Network-1980x868.jpg 1980w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#e5e54c;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#FFFF66;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<h2><span id=\"key_takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Wireless networks are an essential feature of the modern digital economy.<\/li>\n<li>By replacing wires with radio waves, they bring freedom and simplicity to the way we use computing devices.<\/li>\n<li>Wireless networks include mobile broadband telecommunications networks, most corporate wireless <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5526\/local-area-network-lan\">LANs<\/a>, and home networks.<\/li>\n<li>They revolve around the interplay between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2521\/network-access-point-nap\">access points<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/29619\/endpoint-device\">endpoints<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>There are many different types of wireless network connectivity, though Wi-Fi is the best-known.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div><\/div>\n<div>\n    <section class=\"toc-sticky w-100 bg-white \">\n        <div class=\"toc-sticky__container container\">\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__open d-flex align-items-end\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\"\n                 aria-controls=\"multiCollapse1\"\n                 data-bs-target=\"#multiCollapse1\">\n                <button\n                        class=\"btn btn-primary collapse-action-btn p-1 rounded-circle\"\n                        type=\"button\"\n                >\n                    <i class=\"icon-chevron-up\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <span id=\"toc-current-title\" class=\"d-flex align-items-center\">\n                    Table of Contents\n                <\/span>\n                <span class=\"toc-main-title-permanent\">Table of Contents<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div\n                    class=\"collapse my-3\"\n                    id=\"multiCollapse1\"\n            >\n                <ol class=\"StepProgress\">\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item current\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"what_is_a_wireless_network\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"what_is_a_wireless_network\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">What is a Wireless Network?<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"key_takeaways\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"key_takeaways\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Key Takeaways<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"how_does_a_wireless_network_work\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"how_does_a_wireless_network_work\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">How Does a Wireless Network Work?<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"components_of_a_wireless_network\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"components_of_a_wireless_network\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Components of a Wireless Network<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"benefits_of_a_wireless_network\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"benefits_of_a_wireless_network\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Benefits of a Wireless Network<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"types_of_wireless_network\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"types_of_wireless_network\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Types of Wireless Network<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"wireless_network_vs_wired_network\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"wireless_network_vs_wired_network\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Wireless Network vs. Wired Network<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"wireless_network_standards\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"wireless_network_standards\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Wireless Network Standards<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"the_bottom_line\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"the_bottom_line\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">The Bottom Line<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"faqs\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"faqs\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">FAQs<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                    <\/ol>\n                <div class=\"toc-sticky__container__disperse\"><\/div>\n                <div class=\"toc-sticky__btn-top justify-content-center\">\n                    <button class=\"btn btn-link d-flex align-items-center\" onclick={btnTop()}><p>Show Full Guide<\/p><img decoding=\"async\"\n                                src=\"\/wp-content\/plugins\/table-of-contents\/assets\/images\/arrow-up-circle.svg\"\n                                alt=\"arrow-up-circle\">\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <div class=\"toc-sticky-list\">\n        <div class=\"toc-sticky__container container\">\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__open d-flex align-items-end\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" aria-controls=\"multiCollapse2\" data-bs-target=\"#multiCollapse2\">\n                <button class=\"btn btn-primary collapse-action-btn p-1 rounded-circle\"\n                        type=\"button\">\n                    <i class=\"icon-chevron-up up\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <span id=\"toc-current-title\" class=\"d-flex align-items-center\">\n                    Table of Contents\n                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div  class=\"collapse my-3\" id=\"multiCollapse2\">\n                <ol class=\"StepProgress\">\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item current \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"what_is_a_wireless_network\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"what_is_a_wireless_network\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">What is a Wireless Network?<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"key_takeaways\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"key_takeaways\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Key Takeaways<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"how_does_a_wireless_network_work\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"how_does_a_wireless_network_work\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">How Does a Wireless Network Work?<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"show_moretoc\">Show Full Guide<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"components_of_a_wireless_network\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"components_of_a_wireless_network\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Components of a Wireless Network<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"benefits_of_a_wireless_network\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"benefits_of_a_wireless_network\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Benefits of a Wireless Network<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"types_of_wireless_network\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"types_of_wireless_network\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Types of Wireless Network<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"wireless_network_vs_wired_network\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"wireless_network_vs_wired_network\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Wireless Network vs. Wired Network<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"wireless_network_standards\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"wireless_network_standards\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Wireless Network Standards<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"the_bottom_line\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"the_bottom_line\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">The Bottom Line<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"faqs\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"faqs\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">FAQs<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                          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Wireless Network Work?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Wireless networks operate via radio waves sent and received using specialized radio frequencies. Connectable devices like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5300\/laptop\">laptops<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2977\/smartphone\">smartphones<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2353\/tablet\">tablets<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4618\/personal-computer-pc\">desktop PCs<\/a> use the radio waves to transmit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/807\/data\">data<\/a>, and to receive it.<\/p>\n<p>Wireless networks center around the relationship between access points and endpoints. The access point could be a mobile network <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/6412\/cellular\">cellular<\/a> tower or a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/network\/best-wifi-router\">Wi-Fi router<\/a>, and will have a name or identifier that the endpoint (laptop, smartphone, etc.) recognizes. In a Wi-Fi network this is called a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2973\/service-set-identifier-ssid\">Service Set Identifier<\/a> (SSID). In a mobile telecoms network it is called the Access Point Name (APN). In both cases the access point advertises itself to nearby endpoints by sending out transmissions or &#8216;beacons&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p>The endpoint device reads the beacon and displays a message that the network exists and is available to connect. If the user wants to connect their device, they complete a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4528\/protocol\">security protocol<\/a> and enter preset <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/10259\/credentials\">credentials<\/a> like a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4042\/password\">password<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/12128\/personal-identification-number-pin\">PIN<\/a> in order to join. If the access point can&#8217;t <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/342\/authentication\">authenticate<\/a> the endpoint, the attempt to connect will fail.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"components_of_a_wireless_network\">Components of a Wireless Network<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-accordion su-u-trim\">\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Wireless access points<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> What is an access point? It&#8217;s the Internet access device that wireless endpoints connect to via radio waves, for example, the wireless router that provides your home W-Fi connection. <\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Wireless endpoints<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> These are end-user computing devices, such as laptops, desktop PCs, tablets, and peripherals like printers. <\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Wireless network cards<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5306\/network-interface-card-nic\">network interface card<\/a> acts as the radio receiver and transmitter for a specific computer. <\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"benefits_of_a_wireless_network\">Benefits of a Wireless Network<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The main benefit of a wireless network is mobility. Users can connect their devices to the internet without being tethered to a desk or other dongle location. Wireless connectivity can also be easier to enable, with straightforward authentication via password or PIN.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"types_of_wireless_network\">Types of Wireless Network<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Types-of-Wireless-Network-1.jpg\" alt=\"Types of Wireless Network\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1274\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-353976\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Types-of-Wireless-Network-1.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Types-of-Wireless-Network-1-282x300.jpg 282w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Types-of-Wireless-Network-1-964x1024.jpg 964w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Types-of-Wireless-Network-1-768x816.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Types-of-Wireless-Network-1-1446x1536.jpg 1446w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Types-of-Wireless-Network-1-1928x2048.jpg 1928w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Types-of-Wireless-Network-1-1200x1274.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Types-of-Wireless-Network-1-1980x2103.jpg 1980w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-tabs su-tabs-style-default su-tabs-mobile-stack su-tabs-vertical\" data-active=\"1\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-tabs-nav\"><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><strong>Local area networks<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><strong>Wide area networks<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><strong>Metropolitan area networks<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><strong>Personal area networks<\/strong><\/span><\/div><div class=\"su-tabs-panes\"><div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Local area networks&lt;\/strong&gt;\">\n<p>A local-area network (LAN) provides Internet connectivity at a single location such as a mall, factory or building.<\/p>\n<p>LANs can be either wireless or wired, with Wi-Fi being the most common wireless LAN. They are used to link a variety of endpoints like laptops, printers, and tablets within a strictly controlled environment.<\/p>\n<p>LANs use routers as access points, alongside other components like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5355\/firewall\">firewalls<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2306\/switch-networking\">switches<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/ethernet-cable-types\">ethernet cables<\/a>, for their physical architecture.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Wide area networks&lt;\/strong&gt;\">\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5409\/wide-area-network-wan\">wide-area network<\/a> (WAN) is a wireless network that provides connectivity over a large geographic area like a city or county.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/8265\/mobile-broadband-system-mbs\">Mobile broadband<\/a> networks are the most common type of WAN.<\/p>\n<p>A WAN may also provide the connectivity for smaller local networks like LANs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Metropolitan area networks&lt;\/strong&gt;\">\n<p class=\"p1\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/8238\/metropolitan-area-network-man\">metropolitan area network<\/a> (MAN) is a type of wireless network that provides connectivity for a densely-populated geographic area, perhaps a small city, large business or university campus. Size is what distinguishes a MAN from a LAN.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">A LAN is designed for a single building while a MAN can provide connectivity across several square miles.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Personal area networks&lt;\/strong&gt;\">\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5079\/personal-area-network-pan\">personal area network<\/a> (PAN) enables individuals to create a network using their own devices in a single location.<\/p>\n<p>A PAN is sometimes used to link smartphones, laptops, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/17141\/video-game-console\">gaming consoles<\/a>, in a home or small office.<\/p>\n<p>Bluetooth is the most commonly used connectivity mode for PANs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"wireless_network_vs_wired_network\">Wireless Network vs. Wired Network<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As the name suggests, a <strong>wired network<\/strong> links devices to the network using physical wires called Ethernet cables. Devices connected to a wired network can be desktop or laptop computers, point-of-sale devices at store checkouts, printers, and scanners.<\/p>\n<p>In a <strong>wireless network<\/strong>, devices are connected to an Internet router, but users retain the freedom to move freely. Radio signals replace wires as the medium of connection for all the connected devices.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"wireless_network_standards\">Wireless Network Standards<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The most commonly used wireless standards for Wi-Fi connectivity are all based on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/24967\/ieee-80211\">IEEE 802.11<\/a>, a set of technical standards for local area networks (LANs).<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-accordion su-u-trim\">\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>802.11a<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/24979\/ieee-80211a\">first update to 802.11<\/a> added support for the 5 GHz radio band, which allows data transmission speeds of up to 54 megabits of data per second. <\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>802.11b<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/504\/ieee-80211b\">802.11b<\/a> amendment added speed to the 2.4 GHz radio band used by the original 802.11 standard, raising data transmission rates to up to 11 megabits of data per second. <\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>802.11n<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/24980\/ieee-80211n\">first unified specification for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands<\/a>. It provides faster speeds for both by using multiple antennas simultaneously. <\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>802.11ac<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/28327\/ieee-80211ac\">recent specification for the 5GHz band<\/a> that improves its speeds and capabilities. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>802.11ax (also called Wi-Fi 6)<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> This latest wireless standard is what most new devices have installed. 802.11ax is similar to 802.11n as it is designed to make more efficient use of the available spectrum and improve overall network speeds. <\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"the_bottom_line\">The Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Wireless networks by definition let users roam untethered while remaining connected. By using radio signals instead of wires, they allow devices to be far away from an access point but still linked to the network.<\/p>\n<p>When you first activate a mobile phone <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/23747\/subscriber-identity-module-card-sim-card\">SIM card<\/a> or connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot in a restaurant or airport lounge, you&#8217;re connecting to a wireless network.<\/p>\n<p>Their widespread adoption has enabled <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/remote-work\">remote<\/a> and mobile working and the rise of the smartphone. Modern computing would look very different without them.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"man_faq_sec\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\"><\/time><section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is a wireless network in simple terms?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">A wireless network is literally a computer network without wires, meaning users can take their devices and wander about freely in their home or office without unplugging. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">Is a wireless network the same as Wi-Fi?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Wi-Fi is one popular type of wireless networking connectivity, and these terms are often used synonymously, but it is not the only type. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is my wireless network?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">The name of your wireless network will be indicated in the list of local wireless networks you see when you click your device\u2019s internet icon.<\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is wireless network security?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Measures to keep wireless networks secure include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5507\/encryption\">encrypted<\/a> connections, user and device <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/342\/authentication\">authentication<\/a> via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4042\/password\">password<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/13699\/twofactor-authentication\">2FA<\/a>, access control rule, and restricting connections to trusted devices recognized by the network. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What are wireless network examples?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Wireless networks can be LANs, WANs, Pans, or MANs. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is a Wireless Network? A wireless network is a computer network that uses radio frequencies (RFs) to connect multiple devices in the same location. Wireless networks are now the most common source of Internet connectivity, used in mobile telecoms systems, corporate networks, and at home. The prevalence of Wi-Fi has made the term synonymous [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":286786,"featured_media":353533,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"definitioncat":[219,220],"class_list":["post-11474","definition","type-definition","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","definitioncat-networks","definitioncat-wireless-and-mobile"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.2 (Yoast SEO v24.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What is a Wireless Network? Definition, How It Works &amp; Components<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A wireless network is a computer network that uses radio frequencies to connect multiple devices in the same location. Learn more about wireless networks here.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Wireless Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A wireless network is a computer network that uses radio frequencies to connect multiple devices in the same location. Learn more about wireless networks here.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/wireless-network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Techopedia\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/techopedia\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-11-13T18:31:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/2400\u04451280-Wireless-Network.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2400\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1311\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@techopedia\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/wireless-network#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/wireless-network\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Mark De Wolf\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#\/schema\/person\/68ac8bcb35dd752306e4f4f3ca30a3d7\"},\"headline\":\"Wireless Network\",\"datePublished\":\"2011-07-26T14:07:02+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-11-13T18:31:14+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/wireless-network\"},\"wordCount\":1271,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/wireless-network#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/2400\u04451280-Wireless-Network.jpg\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/wireless-network#respond\"]}],\"articleSection\":\"\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/wireless-network\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/wireless-network\",\"name\":\"What is a Wireless Network? 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