A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a flexible data communication system implemented as an extension to, or an alternative for, a wired LAN on a client site.

WLANs transmit and receive data over the air, minimising the need for wired connections. They combine data connectivity with user mobility and, through simple configuration, enable movable LANs.  
They have gained strong popularity in a number of markets including health care, retail, manufacturing, warehousing and academic arenas.

These industries have profited from the productivity gains of using hand-held terminals and notebook computers to transmit real-time information to centralised hosts for processing.