Overview

This module will cover the IEEE 802.11 WLAN standards in detail, including data link and physical layer specifications. Standardization of networking functions has done much to further the development of affordable, interoperable networking products. Throughout this module and this course, the terms IEEE and 802 are used often. This module provides a short overview of IEEE and the 802 committee.

The MAC and physical layer services that have been standardized will be discussed. Three services are provided by the MAC sublayer in IEEE 802.11. These services include MAC asynchronous data service, security services, and MAC Service Data Units (MSDU) ordering.

Additionally, physical layer services, such as Physical Layer Convergence Procedure (PLCP) and Physical Medium Dependent (PMD) System, which are standardized through 802.11 a, b, and g, will be presented.

Finally, client adapters, driver types, and client support will also be discussed. The primary function of the client adapters is to transfer data packets through the wireless infrastructure. Installation, configuration, and monitoring of wireless network interface cards (NICs) will also be covered.