Wireless systems are not completely wireless. Wireless devices are just one
part of the traditional wired LAN. These wireless systems, designed and
constructed using standard microprocessors and digital circuits, connect to
traditional wired LAN systems. Furthermore, wireless devices must be powered to
provide energy to encode, decode, compress, decompress, transmit, and receive
wireless signals.
The first generation WLAN devices, with their low
speeds and lack of standards, were not popular. Modern standardized systems are
now able to transfer data at acceptable speeds.
The IEEE 802.11
committee and the Wi-Fi Alliance have diligently worked to make wireless
equipment standardized and interoperable. Figure
lists some of
the important functions of these two organizations. Figure
shows
many of the WLAN vendors that have joined the Wi-Fi Alliance.
Wireless
technology will now support the data rates and interoperability necessary for
LAN operation. Also, the cost of the new wireless devices has decreased
greatly. WLANs are now an affordable option to wired LAN connectivity. In most
countries these devices do not require special governmental licensing.