How does WLAN work? Explained in an understandable way

We tell you how WLAN works and what you need to know about speed, security and range. If you want to digitally network your own four walls, the use of this technology is suitable.

WLAN: How the technology works

The abbreviation WLAN stands for “Wireless Local Area Network”. All you need for WLAN is a so-called router. You usually get this from your Internet provider with your DSL contract.

• The router receives the Internet signal by cable via your telephone or Internet connection. It receives the data from the Internet and forwards it to all connected computers, smartphones, tablets and other Internet-enabled devices.
• If the WLAN function has been activated on the router, the router is constantly transmitting: depending on the technology used, the WLAN transmits on a frequency between 2400 and 5725 MHz. Other WLAN-capable devices such as smartphones and laptops recognise the WLAN network and can connect to the router by entering the WLAN password.
• Once the connection is established, the connected device gains access to the Internet. A router can supply several devices with WLAN at the same time. The clear advantage of WLAN: you are not tied to the cable and, in the best case, you have an Internet connection everywhere in your own four walls.
  

  Speed of WLAN

  The speed of your WLAN depends on several factors.

• For one thing, the WLAN standard used is relevant. The technology is constantly developing. The most common standards are 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax. With the last and most current standard, up to 6 Gbit/s are possible.
• However, these are only theoretical values. As a rule, the speed of your WLAN is not limited by the router, but by your Internet connection. The tariffs start at 16 MBit/s and end at 1 GBit/s. Here we explain exactly what MBit/s and GBit/s mean.

So secure is WLAN

You no longer have to worry about the security of your WLAN.

• The access to the WLAN should always be protected with a password so that no one from the outside can penetrate the system. Newer routers use the WPA or WPA2 standard, older devices WAP.
• It is also extremely unlikely that someone on site will try to penetrate your systems, for example a computer, via your WLAN. This usually happens over the Internet, for example by browsing a website and catching a virus.