The notion of wireless continues to get complicated in business environments. If you don't know the specific wireless context or application being discussed, your assumption of what wireless LAN means may be different than mine -- even if we're engaged in the same conversation.
Forget, though, about wireless personal area networks, like Bluetooth, and wireless WANs and their respective network devices. Even without these wireless network topologies, there can be enough to keep straight under the simple heading of WLAN. In particular, let's explore the difference between WLAN vs. Wi-Fi.
What is a WLAN and how does it work?
To tackle the generic WLAN construct, we first need to review what is meant by local area network. Local generally means a network that is contained within a building or campus, representing a geographical or functional construct. Add a W to LAN, and we have a wireless LAN.
The terms WLAN and Wi-Fi are often linked and used interchangeably, but problems arise with that habit. A WLAN can be built on various wireless technologies.
To illustrate the difference between WLAN vs. Wi-Fi, I'll share a story. Recently, I consulted on requests for proposals and implementation projects involving lighting control and building alarm systems. Each used WLAN for its interconnectivity. Upon hearing WLAN was involved, I thought: "Oh, boy, we may not want critical services on Wi-Fi."
