What protocols are commonly associated with wireless local area networks?

Wireless local area networks (WLANs) predominantly utilize the IEEE 802.11 standards, which are specifically designed to enable wireless communication in local area networks. The IEEE 802.11 family of protocols includes various amendments and enhancements that cater to different needs in wireless networking, including speed, range, and security requirements. This set of standards governs aspects such as radio frequency usage, modulation techniques, and security mechanisms in wireless networks.

On the other hand, the IEEE 802.15 standards pertain to wireless personal area networks (WPANs), which cover different types of short-range communication devices, rather than local area networks. The IEEE 802.3 standards apply to wired Ethernet networks, focusing on wired LAN connectivity, while the IEEE 802.16 standards relate to broadband wireless access, primarily for metropolitan area networks (MANs), which is distinct from local area networking. Thus, the specific focus of the IEEE 802.11 standards on local wireless networking makes it the suitable choice for this context.