From Wires to Wireless: Understanding LAN & WLAN in Your Home
Tags: networking, ccna, beginners, network
Published: 2023-09-03 00:29:11

## Introduction
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Ever wondered about the magic that powers your home's or small office's internet? Every time you stream a movie, jump into a video call, or play an online game, you're using something special called a network. This is typically referred to as a SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) setup. Believe it or not, within this setup, you've probably established both a LAN and a WLAN, even if those terms sound a tad technical. But don't fret! In this blog post, we'll demystify these terms and guide you through understanding the network that's right within your walls. So, let's begin by defining these terms.
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### LAN (Local Area Network)
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A LAN, or Local Area Network, is kind of like the hidden highways connecting all your digital devices in a close-knit space. Think of it as the behind-the-scenes magic that lets your computer talk to your printer or lets multiple computers share files. While LANs can sometimes span large areas like big corporate offices, for our chat today, let's picture the more cozy setting of your own home or a small office. Most of the time, these connections are made using cables – you might recognize the familiar blue Ethernet ones!  
<br>
<figure>
  <img src="https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/rinjwe2xodk2uqhvsjc5.png"
       alt="image">
  <figcaption>_In the network diagram above, the switch plays the central role, directing communication among the various clients. This illustration showcases typical clients you might find in a LAN setup._</figcaption>
</figure>
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### WLAN (Wireless Area Network)
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A WLAN is just like a LAN but without the cables. Instead of using physical wires, devices connect using radio waves, often through Wi-Fi. Your smartphone, tablet, or laptop might connect to the internet without any cables, right? They're part of your home's WLAN, connecting wirelessly to a device often called a wireless router.  
<br>
<figure>
  <img src="https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/5133jblanbrfnxdszw79.png"
       alt="image">
  <figcaption>_In the network diagram depicted, the wireless router stands as the linchpin, orchestrating wireless connections among a diverse array of devices. This visualization highlights the usual suspects in a WLAN environment: smartphones catching up on messages, laptops streaming videos and tablets downloading ebooks._</figcaption>
</figure>

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## Devices
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Now that we've laid the foundation with a clear understanding of what LAN and WLAN are, let's delve deeper into the intricacies of the setup. Specifically, we'll explore the devices that make it all possible, especially in the context of a SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) environment.
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### Wireless Router
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When you think of connecting to the internet at home, the first device that probably comes to mind is the wireless router. It's that box with blinking lights that might be sitting on a shelf or behind your TV. But what's inside this magical box, and how does it do its job? Let's peel back the layers and explore its individual components.

<figure>
  <img src="https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/yrlmj835p6dwfyx6wvgm.png"
       alt="image">
  <figcaption>_D-Link wireless router: a compact yet powerful device, adept at ensuring a seamless Wi-Fi experience throughout your home._</figcaption>
</figure>
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#### Router

The word 'router' gives a hint about its main job – to 'route' or direct. Just as traffic lights ensure cars move smoothly on roads, a router directs digital traffic, making sure your online movie, email, or game reaches its destination without any hitches.  
<figure>
  <img src="https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/4gwiggw8oeuaqua82yrk.png"
       alt="image">
  <figcaption>_Check out the backbone of our office internet! This router might look complex with all its interfaces, but each one plays a part in keeping us connected. It's like a busy highway directing traffic!_</figcaption>
</figure>
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#### Wireless Access Point

This component lets us break free from cables! It broadcasts wireless signals with a unique name, known as the SSID (Service Set Identifier). When you're trying to connect your smartphone, laptop, or TV and you see a list of Wi-Fi names? That's the SSID. By selecting the right one and entering a password (if required), your device can access the internet without being tethered by a cable.  

<figure>
  <img src="https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8awlweibfdvp9artpzdr.png"
       alt="image">
  <figcaption>_Small but mighty! These little Cisco devices give you Wi-Fi in big places like offices. You might not always see them, but they're hard at work._</figcaption>
</figure>
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#### Switch

While the freedom of wireless connectivity from a wireless router is undoubtedly convenient, there's another crucial part of our network setup that comes into play when we use cables: the 'switch'. The switch is like the behind-the-scenes coordinator, ensuring devices within the same LAN chat with each other without needing to involve the router. So, when your computer and printer, both connected by cables, need to 'talk', it's the switch that makes the conversation happen seamlessly.  
<figure>
  <img src="https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/pkrnfcf4dgt2se95cmm1.png"
       alt="image">
  <figcaption>_See this network switch? It's packed with ports, way more than our main router. While the router decides where data should go, this switch ensures all our devices can talk to each other. Think of it as the busy crossroads in our office's digital town._</figcaption>
</figure>
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For the sake of convenience and simplicity, manufacturers often bundle all these functionalities—router, switch, wireless access point—into one device that most people commonly refer to as a 'wireless router'. You might even hear some folks call it a 'modem' or just a 'router'. However, as we've learned, labeling it merely as a 'router' might be a tad oversimplified given its multi-faceted roles.

In the cozy confines of our homes or small offices, this all-in-one solution works beautifully. It's efficient, space-saving, and perfectly tailored to our needs. But when we step outside into the world of enterprise networks or expansive corporate setups, the story changes. Here, due to the sheer scale and specific requirements, these devices are typically standalone, each serving its unique purpose.

So, the next time you glance at your 'wireless router', remember: it's not just a simple box. It's a versatile powerhouse, deftly handling multiple roles, all designed to give you a seamless internet experience

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### Conclusion - SOHO Network Diagram
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In wrapping up, visualizing our discussions, I've assembled a practical network diagram that embodies a typical SOHO LAN/WLAN setup using Packet Tracer. This illustration showcases a multifunctional wireless router at its heart, bridging both wired and wireless devices. 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/41pmoyi06jda0j4v72x5.png)
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You'll notice two smartphones and a laptop seamlessly connecting via Wi-Fi, demonstrating the flexibility and convenience of wireless connections. Meanwhile, a computer and a printer, both integrated through Ethernet cables, exemplify the stability and speed of wired connections. Through this representation, I hope to demystify the intricate dance of devices on your home network. It's my aspiration that you now possess a clearer understanding of how each device interplays, ensuring you stay connected, whether you're printing a document, streaming a video, or simply browsing the web.