A WLAN driver is software that enables a computer to run and configure a WLAN device, such as routers, wireless cards, and wireless Internet adapters. It allows users to change Internet connection settings and configure wireless settings. WLAN devices may require drivers to function, and companies that manufacture them include ASUS, Belkin, Linksys, D-Link, and Netgear. WLAN driver utilities allow users to configure a Media Access Control (MAC) address clone to bypass blocks and allow multiple computers to connect. WLAN driver discs are usually included with wireless networking hardware, and replacement downloads can be found on the manufacturer’s website.
A wireless local area network (WLAN) driver is a software program that allows a computer to run and configure a WLAN device. WLAN devices include routers, wireless cards, and wireless Internet adapters. These devices are the hardware needed to broadcast a wireless network signal and connect computers to the signal. Users can use a WLAN driver to change Internet connection settings or to configure wireless settings on a laptop or personal computer.
Wireless cards and wireless Internet adapters allow computers to connect to wireless signals. Typically, a wireless card is installed in the computer while a wireless Internet adapter connects to a computer via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector. Wireless routers broadcast a wireless signal and often provide a wireless hub that allows multiple hubs to connect to the Internet. Companies that manufacture WLAN devices that may require drivers to function include ASUS, Belkin, Linksys, D-Link and Netgear.
Local area networks (LANs) can be wired or wireless. In a LAN, a network hub connects multiple computers, allowing them to share data. Typically, these networks are based in a centralized location, with all computers connected to the LAN located nearby. Most wireless networking hubs handle both wired and wireless connections to multiple computers. In a LAN router, the WLAN driver is important because it allows the network administrator to configure security settings, user permissions and passwords.
Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) prevent users from connecting more than one computer to the Internet by preventing multiple computer identification numbers, called Media Access Control (MAC) addresses, from connecting to the service. Many WLAN driver utilities allow the user to configure a Media Access Control (MAC) address clone that bypasses the block to allow multiple computers to connect. The MAC address cloning setting configures a WLAN access point to broadcast only one MAC address to the ISP, regardless of how many computers are connected through the router. It appears to the ISP that a computer is connecting to their service.
A WLAN driver disc is usually included with wireless networking hardware at the time of purchase. For some common wireless devices, the WLAN driver may already be installed with your computer’s operating system. If the driver disc is lost or the software becomes corrupted, updates or replacement downloads for the WLAN driver can usually be found in the driver download section of the manufacturer’s website, often in the customer support section.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
