Wireless Local Area Networks

Edward C. Prem, Ohio State University

This paper is designed to give the layman a basic understanding of Wireless LANs. Discussed topics are an introduction of Wireless LANs, and their Physical and Medium Access Control Layers. IEEE 802.11 Wireless Networks Standard (unapproved draft) is discussed in the Medium Access Control Section.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Wireless LANs
   
2. Physical Layer
   
   • 2.1 Infrared
   • 2.2 Microwave
   • 2.3 Radio
     • 2.3.1 Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
     • 2.3.2Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum
   • 2.4 Multipath Fading
3. Medium Access Control Layer
   
   • 3.1 802.11 Architecture
     
     • 3.1.1 Basic Service Sets
     • 3.1.2 Distributed System
     • 3.1.3 Extended Service Set
     • 3.1.4 Distribution Set Services
   • 3.2 Frame Formats
   • 3.3 Medium Access Control Protocol
4. Summary
   
5. Products
   
6. Abbreviations
   
7. References
   

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