A wireless local area network (WLAN) uses radio waves or infrared signals to provide wireless connections between devices within a limited area such as a home, school, or office building. WLANs allow users mobility to move around within the range of the network while remaining connected. Most modern WLANs are based on IEEE 802.11 standards and marketed under the Wi-Fi brand name. They provide faster connection speeds than early wireless networks and greater range than infrared networks.

1. SANDEEP.KAMATH
FYIT,ROLL NO.18

2. A wireless local area network (WLAN) links
two or more devices using some wireless
distribution method (typically spread-
spectrum or OFDM radio), and usually
providing a connection through an access
point to the wider internet.
This gives users the mobility to move around
within a local coverage area and still be
connected to the network.
Most modern WLANs are based on IEEE
802.11 standards, marketed under the Wi-Fi
brand name.

3. Norman Abramson, a professor at the University of
Hawaii, developed the world’s first wireless computer
communication network.
In 1979, F.R. Gfeller and U. Bapst published a paper in the
IEEE Proceedings reporting an experimental wireless local
area network using diffused infrared communications.
The first generation of wireless data modems was
developed in the early 1980s by amateur radio operators,
who commonly referred to this as packet radio.
The first of the IEEE Workshops on Wireless LAN was held
in 1991. At that time early wireless LAN products had just
appeared in the market and the IEEE 802.11 committee
had just started its activities to develop a standard for
wireless LANs.

4. 1.STATIONS
2.BASIC SERVICE SET
3.EXTENDED SERVICE SET
4.DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

5. All components that can connect into a wireless
medium in a network are referred to as stations. All
stations are equipped with wireless network interface
controllers .
The basic service set (BSS) is a set of all stations that can
communicate with each other. Every BSS has an
identification (ID) called the BSSID, which is the MAC
address of the access point servicing the BSS.

6. An extended service set (ESS) is a set of connected BSSs. Access
points in an ESS are connected by a distribution system. Each ESS
has an ID called the SSID which is a 32-byte (maximum) character
string.
A distribution system (DS) connects access points in an extended
service set. The concept of a DS can be used to increase network
coverage through roaming between cells.
DS can be wired or wireless. Current wireless distribution systems
are mostly based on WDS or MESH protocols, though other systems
are in use.

7. •PEER TO PEER
•BRIDGE

8. An ad-hoc network is a network where stations
communicate only peer to peer (P2P). There is no
base and no one gives permission to talk. This is
accomplished using the Independent Basic Service
Set (IBSS).
A peer-to-peer (P2P) network allows wireless devices
to directly communicate with each other. Wireless
devices within range of each other can discover and
communicate directly without involving central
access points. This method is typically used by two
computers so that they can connect to each other to
form a network.

9. A bridge can be used to
connect networks, typically
of different types. A
wireless Ethernet bridge
allows the connection of
devices on a wired Ethernet
network to a wireless
network. The bridge acts as
the connection point to the
Wireless LAN.

10. 802.11
PROTOCOL
RELEASE
DATE
FREQUENCY
(GHZ)
BANDWIDTH
(MHZ)
DATA RATE
(Mbits/s)
- JUN 1997 2.4 20 1,2
a SEP 1999 3.7 20 6-54
b SEP 1999 2.4 20 5-11
g JUN 2003 2.4 20 6-54
n OCT 2009 5 20 7-74
ac NOV 2011 5 160 6.93 (Gbits/s)

11. • Time and labor costs associated with both
wiring and installation of APs and
associated networking infrastructure.
• Higher performance, reliability, scalability
and flexibility.
• Seamless mobility between indoor and
outdoor networks.
• Highly helpful in the places where wires
could not be set up for network.

13. WLAN