WLANs are access layer elements or products. WLAN products fit into two main
categories:
- Wireless in-building LANs
- Wireless building-to-building bridging
WLANs replace the Layer 1 transmission medium of a traditional wired
network, which is usually a Category 5 cable, with radio transmission over the
air. WLANs also replace the Layer 2 MAC functionality, with wireless MAC
drivers. WLAN products can plug into a wired network and function as an overlay
to traditional or wired LANs. WLANs can also be deployed as a standalone LAN,
when wired networking is not feasible. WLANs allow the use of desktops,
portable computers, and specialty devices in an environment where connection to
the network is essential. WLANs are typically within a building, and are used
for distances up to 305 m (1000 ft). Properly used WLANs can provide instant
access to the network from anywhere in a facility. Users will be able to roam
without losing their network connections. The Cisco WLAN provides complete
flexibility.
Wireless bridges allow two or more networks that are
physically separated to be connected on one LAN, without the time or expense of
dedicated cables or T1 lines. Examples of wireless bridge applications are
shown in Figures
and
.