what is the difference between wireless network connection and local area connection in a laptop?

Question

what are their functions?

Answer 1

Both of these are just different way to connect to a network. And then the network allows you to connect to the internet through your modem/router. The icons at the bottom right by your clock show you which one is connected (or both, if you wanted to use both). There are physically 2 different "cards" inside your laptop, an icon for each.

Wireless network connection is the card that will connect to the internet without wires. This is called Wi-Fi, or 802.11 (and a letter depending on which type of frequency). But basically it's just a connection to your network, the only differences in a/b/g/n is speed.

Local area connection is the card that will connect in the exact same way, only it will use the wire that looks similar to a large phone cord.

Both can connect to a LAN ("local area network" is the term used to describe the network, or several computers connected together). Both types will do pretty much the same thing for everyday use. They are just different ways to get the job done.

The icons will show you which one is connected, and put a small red "X" on the one which isn't. But it doesn't effect your connection in the slightest.

Answer 2

A wireless network connection is using wireless connectivity where the local area network connection is using a physical cable. They both connect the laptop to the network, just a difference of how.
There are some differences between the types of connections for example it is easier to move around without a cable connected. However wireless networking also makes it easier for people to listen in to your conversations.

Answer 3

A Local Area Network is (usually) a private network, e.g within a company, school or other organisation. Wireless is simply the access technology, as opposed to wired (with a cable).

A network's function is to allow connected PC's to communicate easily and securely.

Answer 4

Just to answer in layman's term. It can be considered the same. WIFI usually means getting an internet connection by using your laptop, a mobile phone or smart phone. Wireless connection can be a bit broader because it can include the use of bluetooth, cellular calls, 3G, WAP and all these terminologies connected to communication. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

The cable.