go to content go to search box go to global site navigation

Thorn Tree Forum

Dumb question alert: WLAN and wifi

Replies: 4 - Last Post: Nov 23, 2012 10:30 AM Last Post By: JeremyintheCzec...

jump to
← Back to topic list

JeremyintheCzechRep

JeremyintheCzechRep avatar

Nov 22, 2012 10:26 AM
Posts:  153

Dumb question alert: WLAN and wifi

I always thought that wifi was wireless fidelity - with no cables required, whereas WLAN required a cable connection (but could be a lot faster). Someone pointed out to me that the W in WLAN stands for wireless. So what is the difference between the two?

joegoozey

joegoozey avatar

Nov 22, 2012 10:43 AM
Posts:  1,618

1

W does stand for wireless ... as in Wireless Local Area Network ... it's a network that uses high-frequency radio waves rather than wires to communicate between nodes.

PhiMeow

PhiMeow avatar

Nov 22, 2012 1:11 PM
Posts:  2,934

2

different terminology but for all practical purposes, wifi and wlan are the same thing.

Justin23

Justin23 avatar

Nov 22, 2012 2:54 PM
Posts:  1,486

3

A WLAN uses wifi to create a LAN.
A normal LAN would use cables.

JeremyintheCzechRep

JeremyintheCzechRep avatar

Nov 23, 2012 10:30 AM
Posts:  153

4

Thanks very much!
← Back to topic list
ADVERTISEMENT

In our shop

See all shop products

Hotels & Hostels

Check out all our reviewed and recommended accommodation and book online.

Find hotels & hostels