WLAN systems can add a lot of productivity and expansion to your local area network, as it will cut out the necessity for excessive cabling. LAN was an important development in being able to share information over a main network. But as technology always grows, wireless local area networks soon became the norm, especially when it was backed up by strong security protocols. The initial worries were that a wireless connection could be hacked into much more easily than a localized hardwired LAN. This is because the connection itself is being carried in the airwaves, and anyone within distance of the broadcast signal would be able to see it. But being able to see WLAN systems does not mean that they are readily accessible to be jumped on without authorization - Certainly not, if the system has been set up well, with good steps taken against security leaks. Even the most basic protocols for home wireless networks will be able to prevent a great deal of abuse from any outside sources. A wireless local area network should have good security, from the firewall at the wired point of access, to encryption protocols on the wireless side of the deal. This can make for a very strong network. The careful planning and setting up of a system is important in order to eliminate as much frequency interference as possible. The benefit of using a WLAN system is that it not only eliminates the need for a static workstation hard wired to the network hub by cables, but it is a lot more efficient in terms of cost. The price of hardware between a wireless network card and a LAN one is not that much different, but you don't have to worry about any extra cables or worries about setting it up. This may not seem much in a small home environment, but multiplied into an office with multiple workstations, then there are obvious cost benefits. Going wireless frees up a lot of otherwise complications, such as adding new workstations to the network, and the ability to get instant access across many networks. The functionality of WLAN systems has seem them rise in popularity and become the norm for most office environments. Because from that one connection you can share internet access, which can lead to VOIP telephone systems, and the speed of sharing information between workstations and servers, it adds a lot of convenience. Not only that - WLAN systems are now readily found in the public domain which adds even increased mobility of resources. The only limit of a good WLAN network will be its range, but even if you are located further from the router, you should still be able to work perfectly efficiently without being tied to cables.