Introduction to Wireless LANs
No more wires?

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.


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