Going Wi-Fi: A Practical Guide to Planning and Building an 802.11 Network

Overview

A wireless local area network (WLAN) that is based on the 802.11 series of standards provides a local data transmission network environment that offers high-speed connectivity to any compatible wireless-enabled networked device. A WLAN solution can add actual benefits to the organization that it serves. Benefits that include: cost reduction in areas where network cabling is difficult or expensive; flexibility to add to or make changes in the networking ecosystem with no extra cabling costs; duplicate networks, i.e. you can have mobile networks with no need of new cabling structures for new work lines; and efficiency and productivity increase by allowing employee mobility within the work facilities.

As the reader has learned, the 802.11 specifications use electromagnetic waves to transmit and receive data over the air. They offer a basis for WLAN technology that provides flexible data communication systems that can be implemented either as an extension to or as an alternative for a wired network.

The beauty of any 802.11 WLAN is that it can combine data connectivity with a mobile workforce to provide a powerful result-the ability to communicate and collect data at the point of activity. WLAN deployments are growing by leaps and bounds. There are a number of reasons for this phenomenal growth:

First, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the same group that established the 802.3 wired network standards, drafted, finalized and continues to improve upon the 802.11 suite-the industry-wide, vendor-independent WLAN standard.

Second, the International Organization of Standardization (commonly known as the "ISO") adopted the IEEE 802.11 as a worldwide WLAN standard.

Third, the Wi-Fi Alliance set up a program to certify the interoperability of the 802.11 WLAN variants, e.g. 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. The goal of the Alliance is to ensure interoperability among a wide variety of wireless systems and products and to promote the term "Wi-Fi" as the global WLAN standard across all market segments.

Fourth, the actions taken by the IEEE, the ISO and the Wi-Fi Alliance assure users of a stable technology and competitive pricing. In fact, WLAN infrastructure prices have decreased dramatically over the last few years.

Fifth, we see a shift to mobile computing platforms in both the workplace and at home. Workers and consumers use laptops, PDAs and tablet computers as their primary computing devices, and all of these mobile devices have gained acceptance in the workplace.

Finally, many organizations are evaluating the benefits of improved productivity and efficiency that comes from providing individuals with the flexibility to move freely within their work environment while maintaining their computing connectivity.