DLAN and WLAN in comparison - what to buy?
If you want to set up a network at home, you often have to choose between DLAN and WLAN. Our comparison shows in which points the two methods differ from each other.
DLAN: Internet from the socket
With DLAN (abbreviation for direct LAN) the power line is used to transmit the data. The connection to the computer is made via a socket adapter and a LAN cable.
- Setup: The DLAN setup is relatively easy. For this you need at least two adapters, one of which is connected directly to the router. The prices for two DLAN adapters in online retail start at around 30 euros.
- Range: The maximum DLAN range is 300 meters. It is therefore clearly above the range of WLANs. Theoretically, with the appropriate adapters, a transmission speed of up to 600 Mbit / s is possible. Disruptive factors in the power grid can significantly reduce the speed.
- Suitable for: DLAN is particularly suitable for households in which a WLAN signal would be slowed down or interrupted by interference factors. With a DLAN, there is also no radiation.
- Security: The DLAN signal can be encrypted so that no unauthorized person can use your Internet or spy on you. 128 bit AES encryption is usually used for this.
WLAN: wireless internet
In a WLAN, the network signal is transmitted wirelessly and received by compatible devices.
- Setup: To set up a WLAN, you need a corresponding router, which you can get from online shops for around 15 euros. It usually takes a little longer to set up than a DLAN because the router must be configured using software.
- Range: The WLAN range varies from device to device, but is usually between 30 and 50 meters inside buildings. The maximum speed in the 2.4 GHz frequency range is 600 Mbit / s.
- Suitable for: WLAN radiation is controversial among experts and it has not been finally researched whether it has negative health effects. The expert opinions continue to diverge. You can not only dial into a WLAN with laptops and desktop PCs with the appropriate network card, but also with mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets.
- Security: You can encrypt your WLAN using the router software to ensure the security of the network.
Conclusion: DLAN or WLAN?
Setting up a WLAN is usually cheaper, but it takes a little more time to configure. When choosing between DLAN and WLAN, the spatial situation is particularly important: walls, walls and ceilings can significantly weaken a WLAN signal, so that a DLAN might make more sense. On the other hand, due to interference factors, even when transmitting via the power network, the complete speed almost never arrives in all end devices connected to the DLAN. A compromise between the two variants is also conceivable. There are, for example, DLAN adapters with integrated WLAN that enable both a cable and a wireless connection.