Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a technology that transmits and receives data via radio signals, infrared (IR) light signals, or other technologies. It enables network communication between nodes without the need for physical connections. It is widely used in offices and public places where mobile devices are used.
Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) is a communication technology that transmits data between devices through radio waves. It allows users to access the Internet and share data without the need for wired connections.
The WLAN system provides users with WLAN access (STA mode), peer-to-peer data transmission (P2P mode), and hotspot sharing (AP mode).
WLAN uses radio electromagnetic waves to transmit data. Currently, it operates in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. A WLAN involves both wired connections, in which the Ethernet protocol is used to connect access points (APs) to the Internet, and wireless connections, in which IEEE 802.11 is used to connect stations (STAs) and APs.
STA mode: In STA mode, a Wi-Fi device, such as a smartphone or tablet, works as a client. It connects to a routing network, such as a home router, to access the Internet. For details, see @ohos.wifiManager (WLAN).
P2P mode (Wi-Fi Direct): The P2P mode is also referred to as Wi-Fi Direct, which allows a TCP/IP connection between two STAs without an AP. In a P2P connection, one STA functions as a traditional AP and is called a group owner (GO). The other STA is called a group client (GC), which is connected to the GO like an AP. For details, see @ohos.wifiManager (WLAN).
AP mode (hotspot mode): In AP mode, a Wi-Fi device acts as a wireless AP and creates its own network (hotspot) that other devices (STAs) can connect to. It allows multiple devices to connect simultaneously. For details, see @ohos.wifiManager (WLAN).
The WLAN module supports the Emulator, but there are some differences in feature support between real devices and the Emulator:
For details, please refer to Differences Between the Emulator and the Real Device.
The P2P mode is not supported on the Emulator.