WLAN vs Ethernet LAN | difference between WLAN and Ethernet LAN
This page on WLAN vs Ethernet LAN describes difference between WLAN and Ethernet LAN. This difference between WLAN(Wireless LAN) and Wired LAN is very useful to have comparison between them.
The figure-1 below depicts wlan or wireless LAN network. It operates on radio frequency 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz or both as per IEEE 802.11 specifications. There are various WLAN versions viz. 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac and 11ad etc. Latest WLAN versions incorporate multiple antenna based MIMO techniques to provide support for higher data rates.Refer 11n vs 11ac vs 11ad and 11a vs 11b vs 11g vs 11n for more information.
The figure-2 below depicts ethernet lan network. Refer Ethernet types such as ethernet, fast ethernet and gigabit ethernet.
Let us summarize core difference between wlan and ethernet LAN types.
| WLAN | Ethernet LAN |
|---|---|
| The WLAN devices are based on IEEE 802.11 family of standards. | The Ethernet LAN devices are based on IEEE 802.3 standards. |
| WLAN devices use high energy radio frequency waves to transmit the data. | Ethernet LAN devices use electric signals to transmit the data. |
| Radio frequency waves travel in the space. Hence a physical connection is not needed between the devices which are connected to the WLANs. | Elctric signals flow over the cables. Hence wired connection is needed between devices which are connected to the Ethernet LANs. |
| WLAN uses half duplex mechanism for communication. | Ethernet supports full duplex mechanism for communication when a switch connects using a single device rather than hub. |
| WLANs suffer from interference of various types during travel from source to the destination. | LANs suffer less interference as electric signals travel using cables. |
| WLANs use CSMA/CA to avoid collisions in the network. | Ethernet LANs use CSMA/CD to detect collisions in the network. |
| Refer WLAN tutorial | Refer IEEE 802.3 ethernet standards |
WLAN and Ethernet LAN Related Links
WLAN tutorial About wlan 802.11 standards 11a WLAN PHY 11b PHY 11n PHY WLAN 802.11ac WLAN 802.11ad Ethernet over copper Ethernet Business Gigabit Ethernet 40Gbps Ethernet PHY 100Gbps Ethernet PHY 10Gbps Ethernet PHY Ethernet types
What is Difference between
hub Vs switch circuit switching Vs packet switching firewall Vs router HDLC Vs PPP IGRP Vs EIGRP router Vs bridge switch Vs router WLAN Vs Ethernet LAN LAN vs WAN vs MAN