In the most basic terms, WLAN is local area networking without wires, but providing all of the features and benefits of traditional LAN technologies. Wireless LANs utilize radio frequencies to transmit data between PCs and other network devices, eliminating the need for wires or cables. Wireless LANs "talk" on spread spectrum radio waves, which are less susceptible to interference.
A wireless LAN is comprised of "access points," which are connected to a wired network "backbone," providing the connection to a server or servers. Access points are equipped with a special antennae for transmitting data via radio frequencies. Devices on the WLAN, such as desktop PCs, laptops, scanners or printers, are equipped with wireless network interface cards with identical antennae.
At Old Dominion, WLAN access points have been installed in:
| BAL - First floor only | BIO-ELC |
| Chemistry | Child Studies |
| Coastal Fishers | Constant Hall |
| Crittenton Hall | Deihn Fine and Performing Arts |
| Dragas Center | E&CS (Floors 1, 2, 4 only) |
| Education Building | Gornto Building |
| Greenspace (12) | Higher EDU Centers (4) |
| Hughes Hall | Kaufman Hall |
| Koch Hall | MGB |
| Navy ROTC | Oceanography and Physics Building |
| Peri Labs | Rollins Hall |
| Spong Hall | Stables Theater |
| Technology Building | University Library |
| Visual Arts Building | Webb Center |
| Whitehurst Lobby |