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.