RFWLAN Terminology Explained
wlan
wi-fi
802.11
wireless network
access point
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This page explains common terms related to WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) technology.
It covers topics such as what a WLAN is, along with explanations of 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, Wi-Fi hotspots, Wi-Fi access points, Wi-Fi stations, 802.11ad, WLAN routers, and more.
| WLAN Terms | Basic description | RF Wireless World Reference |
|---|---|---|
| WLAN | Wireless Local Area Network, the wireless extension of a LAN using Wi-Fi bands. | |
| 802.11a | One version of the WLAN standard using OFDM modulation, supporting speeds up to 54 Mbps. It operates in the 5 GHz RF carrier frequency band with a bandwidth of approximately 20 MHz. | |
| 802.11b | One version of the WLAN standard supporting DSSS and CCK modulation schemes. It has a maximum data rate of 11 Mbps and operates at 2.4 GHz. | |
| 802.11g | Supports both 802.11a and 802.11b variants. It operates at 2.4 GHz. | |
| 802.11n | Supports legacy standards like 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. Additionally, it supports new modes such as greenfield mode. It achieves higher data rates through the addition of MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) technology. | |
| 802.11ac | Builds upon the capabilities of 802.11n. It supports all legacy versions up to 802.11n. MIMO capabilities are further enhanced. It supports multi-user transmission, beamforming, and multi-user MIMO. | |
| Wi-Fi hotspot | Kiosks providing free or paid Wi-Fi service for internet access at specific locations like outlets and malls. | |
| Access Point | A terminal providing Wi-Fi connectivity to multiple Wi-Fi subscribers (stations). Similar to a router, it interfaces with an internet service provider on one end and provides wireless connectivity to stations on the other. | |
| Station | Users or subscribers with WLAN or Wi-Fi capabilities. | |
| 802.11ad | Features of 802.11ad. | |
| WLAN router | A device that routes packets through the WLAN network. | |
| BSS | Basic Service Set, a set of stations controlled by a common coordination function. The coordination function determines whether stations within the BSS are permitted to transmit and receive. | |
| DS | Distribution System, a system connecting BSSs and integrated LANs to form an ESS. | |
| ESS | Extended Service Set, a set of one or more BSSs and LANs. It appears as a single BSS to the LLC layer. | |
| MPDU | MAC Protocol Data Unit, a unit of data exchanged between two peer MAC entities using the PHY layer. | |
| MSDU | MAC Service Data Unit, information exchanged as a unit between two MAC users. |
