Applications
Changing technology and applications

Early adopters of wireless technology were in vertical markets. These users were more concerned with mobility than with standards or throughput. Users today are moving into more horizontal markets where mobility may be less of a concern than interoperability and throughput. With the 802.11a and 802.11b WLAN products, mobility and roaming do not have to be sacrificed to gain throughput and interoperability. However, choosing the correct WLAN technology is very important and depends on the application and infrastructure .

The primary applications for wireless networking are as follows:

  • First is the small office, home office (SOHO) user. Generally, within this application, multiple PCs communicate either via the AP or directly card-to-card without the use of a hub.
  • Second, mobile workers within an enterprise who do not have a stationary desk within their corporate office. Mobile workers could also require connectivity within an open-air environment such as a conference room. In general, mobile workers are in occupations such as education, retail, warehousing, and healthcare.
  • Last, the connection of two or more buildings to form site-to-site connections to link their networks together. It could also be mobile workers requiring access to their corporate network from outside their buildings, such as from a parking lot.

The infrastructure consists of a variety of hardware. In some cases, multiple products are required to complete the entire infrastructure. The various components include the following:

  • Bridges – Used to connect LANs together in a site-to-site application
  • AP – Serves as a connection point between a wired and wireless network
  • Antenna – Transmits signals between the wireless client and the bridge or AP
  • Network Interface Card (NIC) – Resides with the client and provides a connection point to the AP
  • External NIC – Provides an Ethernet connection with a wireless transmitter for a device that already has an Ethernet NIC installed
  • External hub – Provides multiple Ethernet connections in the form of a hub with a wireless transmitter for devices that already have Ethernet NICs installed
  • Third Party – Devices such as bar code scanners, telephones, and personnel digital assistants (PDAs), which can connect to the 802.11 wireless infrastructure

Interactive Media Activity

Demonstration Activity: WLAN Application Studies

In this activity, students will learn about WLAN applications.

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