

Infrared is based on transmission of infrared light. WLAN is generally implemented by transmission modes like spread-spectrum radio transmission and infrared transmission. It can be considered as an extension of a LAN. It refers to a network that connects two or more devices by using wireless data connections over short distances. Wireless LAN or WLAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network. Basically, WLAN and Bluetooth are both used to cater to two different types of wireless connectivity requirements. Bluetooth technology is new than in comparison to WLAN.

However, Bluetooth is a better option when communication needs to take place between smart phones, etc. Wireless LANs (802.11b) are also faster than in comparison to Bluetooth. Bluetooth works in lower distance range than in comparison to a typical wireless LAN. Bluetooth is a short range technology standard which allows devices to communicate in a wireless manner. Key Difference: Wireless LAN (WLAN) stands for Wireless Local Area Network.
