An ad hoc WLAN is a network where devices communicate directly without a central routing system, commonly used for sharing information. It bypasses standard routing and communication difficulties, and was popular before the internet. The primary purpose is privacy, as it requires direct connection and special wireless protocol.
A wireless local access network (WLAN) is an internal network made up of wirelessly connected equipment. An ad hoc network is a network where computers talk to each other directly without using any form of access point. So an ad hoc WLAN is a system where multiple wireless devices are able to communicate with each other without using any form of central routing system. An ad hoc WLAN is common in places where computer users need to share information, but are unable or unwilling to connect to a wireless network.
In a standard network, information comes from outside through a single source. This information goes to a router; it then determines which connected computer requests the information and sends it. Devices connected to the internal network are able to connect to each other freely, no additional connection protocols are required. This system relies on a central access point, in this case a router, to divide information and determine communication priority.
Normally, when devices are not connected to the same network, they have difficulty communicating with each other. In most cases, additional communication programs or login information are required to make the connection between the two systems, if possible. Many computers have security procedures in place to prevent other systems from connecting without direct user intervention.
An ad hoc network bypasses both standard routing and common communication difficulties by allowing machines to communicate directly with each other. Two or more machines are connected directly to each other via a network cable, or in the case of an ad hoc WLAN, a wireless signal. Any communication protocols are determined upon initial connection, so the machines behave as if they were on a standard network.
These systems were common before the advent of the Internet. Small offices would have connected computers, allowing workers to communicate or transfer files from one machine to another. Larger offices often used central servers and switches, taking them from ad hoc to standard networks. Home computers were linked together to play offline multiplayer games and share information.
With the ubiquitous nature of the internet, such networks are no longer needed as before. Offices require connections to the Internet and, therefore, use a central access point and eliminate the need for ad hoc connections. Individual computers connected to the Internet have access to other computers and information without direct wiring.
The primary purpose of a typical ad hoc WLAN is privacy. In an ad hoc WLAN situation, a user needs to directly connect one computer to another using a special wireless protocol. Other connections have to do the same thing, making it nearly impossible for a device to connect without alerting someone to its presence. In some cases, two computers will both connect to a third, allowing communication between them, but giving no indication of who they are.
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