Here at The Wifi Specialist, we have a lot of customers asking us the question: WLAN vs LAN – what’s the difference? These two terms can be confusing because of their similarities. A Wireless Local Area Network is simply a wireless version of a Local Area Network. Ultimately, they perform the same tasks.
WLAN eliminates any clutter or mess associated with wired network installation. However, when your LAN installation is taken care of by an expert team like The Wifi Specialist, we will ensure that your wires are tidy and hidden away. Our specialist WiFi engineers can also perform a flawless wireless network installation to fulfil your wireless internet needs.
To make it easier to choose between a WLAN or LAN connection for your home or business, our expert team has described the WLAN vs LAN differences. Once you have all the information you need to make an informed decision, you can trust The Wifi Specialist to perform expert network installation services.
What is a WLAN?
WLAN is an internet connection that allows devices to get online wirelessly. WLAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network, which describes how they can provide wireless internet over a relatively short range. A central router will provide internet signals to all devices that are in range. This allows multiple users and devices to connect to the network at the same time.
However, as more users connect to your network, you will experience a dip in speeds. The same can be said for moving further away from the main router, much like with WiFi. WiFi is actually a type of WLAN. The difference between WiFi and WLAN is that WiFi is just one of many WLANs.
Some WLAN connections offer a more secure connection than standard WiFi. This makes them an incredibly popular choice for business internet installations. By offering a secure WLAN guest connection to your customers, you will enjoy a host of additional benefits. However, home internet connections can also benefit from the additional security of a professionally installed WLAN.
What is a LAN?
LAN stands for Local Area Network and describes an internet connection that requires ethernet cable installation to function. A LAN connection requires each device in your network to be wired to your router. This may seem like an old-fashioned way of connecting to the internet. However, it has become increasingly more popular again in recent years.
The resurgence of LAN networks in both businesses and homes comes down to their connectivity benefits. Devices on the same LAN network can communicate extremely quickly. This means no buffering video calls, games or movies. It also means emails and signals to printers and other users on the network will be much faster.
By having a wired connection directly to your router, you will experience fewer connection disruptions. If you are adding new users to your network, you can easily scale up your LAN framework with additional network switch installation. It is also far cheaper to install a LAN cable than it is to implement a new WLAN connection.
WLAN vs LAN
Considering WLAN vs LAN brings up more differences than just a wireless vs wired connection. LAN connections are cheaper to install than WLAN networks. Wired LAN connections are also more secure. This is because wireless networks are easier for hackers and thieves to access.
A wireless WLAN connection means you can move around your premises with your devices without losing connection. However, this wireless mobility comes at a cost. Wireless network signals will be impacted by adverse weather. You will also receive a slower connection the further from the router you are. LAN connections guarantee a consistent connection in all weather.
Despite its drawbacks, a wired connection also promises higher speeds. This makes LAN a good option for streaming and transferring large files. However, WLAN connections are easier to install than their LAN equivalent. This is because they eliminate the need to run complex cables through your home or business. You will also need to install additional switches if you have many devices that need to be connected to your LAN network. They also have their similarities. Both connect several devices and users to the same network. They also have a similar range and can cover a large area, like offices and buildings. However, because of the inconvenience of running wires outdoors, a WLAN connection is usually preferable when installing an outdoor internet connection.
Now you have the answer to the question: WLAN vs LAN – what’s the difference? You can now decide whether you want to install a LAN or WLAN network in your home or business. Whichever you choose, contact the expert team at The Wifi specialist for professional installation.
Are you looking to upgrade your internet security by switching to a LAN network? You need expert internet security services from The Wifi Specialist!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WLAN?
WLAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network. It connects several users and devices to a shared wireless internet connection. WiFi is a type of WLAN. It is just one of many WLANs. Some WLAN connections offer a more secure connection than standard WiFi. WiFi is just one of the WLANs that The Wifi Specialist can install in your home or business.
What is a LAN?
LAN stands for Local Area Network. This describes an internet connection that requires each device to be wired directly to the main router. LAN connections provide additional safety benefits. They are also faster and more reliable than wireless networks. For expert LAN installation, contact The Wifi Specialist today.
Contact The Wifi Specialist today for a quote or to arrange a no obligation survey
Our Happy Clients
I was struggling to get a decent wifi signal down to the garden office until the Wifi Specialists recommended a Point to Point kit. Now the internet is faster in the office than it is in the house. The guys did a great job installing too, keeping all the cabling very neat and hidden wherever possible. Even sorted out the TV aerial cable while they were doing the P2P cabling! Great service, strongly recommend.
Richard G
Couldn't recommend Indy more highly. They helped us implement an effective corporate wifi solution at very short notice. Communication throughout was excellent and we look forward to working with them again.
Francesca M
Indy and Rakki are first class guys, they did a professional job in record time and I ended up with a better router indoors as well as the Access point outdoors which now covers the whole garden. Definitely recommend the Wifi specialists.
John M
I'm absolute delighted with the service provided by The WiFi Specialist in running an ethernet cable out to my garden office. Indy was extremely helpful in discussion the options available to me, and recommending the right approach, and the work was carried out efficiently and with minimum disruption. I'm thrilled to now have a secure connection, and would definitely recommend The WiFi Specialist to anyone looking to improve connectivity.
Simon M
Excellent, knowledgeable, seamless experience with Indy and team. Not to mention my now perfect wifi!
Sarah K
I had been struggling with my wifi signal around my house for a number of years and the situation only got worse as we moved to remote working. After many attempts to get the issue addressed through the local ISP, I (my wife and kids) decided that I needed a specialist to come in. Indy made the whole process very simple from the initial site visit, design guidance and installation. I had my house refurbished a few years ago so adding new cabling around the house needed knowledge and experience. Indy and Rak did a great job at concealing the cat6 cables and provided a professional finish. I now have full wifi signal all around the house, garden and garage. I would highly recommend The Wi-Fi Specialist. Thank you.
Amarjit K
The IT service from this company was exemplary and resulted in a very good WiFi signal throughout the house. Indy was generous with his time and explained the technology well, without trying to sell equipment that would have been unnecessary for a domestic installation. He is friendly, knowledgeable and very professional. It was a great pleasure to work with him.
Andy A
