Before we delve into the topic of WLANs, we need to cover networking in general. A network is defined as a series of points or nodes interconnected by communication paths.The points or nodes may be devices dedicated to a single function, such as a PC dedicated to client applications, or a router dedicated to interconnecting networks.This chapter covers some fundamental theories, technologies, and applications for networks. LAN Technologies such as Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet,Token Ring, and Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) are prevalent in the networking industry today.

There are three primary types of networks, the local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), and the wide area network (WAN).The distinguishing feature of these networks is the spatial distance covered. LANs, as the name implies, are typically contained in a single structure or small geographic region. Groups of LANs interconnected may also be referred to as a campus in larger environments. MANs connect points or nodes in a geographic region larger than a LAN, but smaller than a WAN. Some of the same LAN technologies may be employed in a MAN, such as Gigabit Ethernet.WANs are geographically diverse networks and typically use technologies different from LANs or MANs. WANs typically are comprised of high-speed circuits leased from a telecommunications provider to facilitate connectivity.WANs rarely use the same technologies as LANs or MANs.Technologies such as Frame Relay, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), X.25, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and others my be used.This is because of the larger distances WANs service.

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