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Article #293: Wireless Broadband: Overview Of Ieee 802.11 Wireless Lan Technology

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Wireless LAN (WLAN) is a wireless lower data rates. Higher Frequencies (5
broadband technology that utilizes radio GHz) have less range but higher data
frequency (RF) to transmit and receive rates but is prone to blocking by solid
data through the air, minimizing the need objects. These are attributable to
for wired networks. There are two attenuation and interference. Attenuation
competing RF technologies in the use of or the loss of signal strength during
Wireless LAN, the IEEE 802.11 standard transmission is higher when the receiver
and proprietary technologies. Both fall is farther from the transmitter.
under wireless broadband technology. Obstacles such as mountains and buildings
Broadband means the ability to transmit also contribute to attenuation by
high-speed voice, data and video traffic blocking or weakening radio signals,
using a wide range of frequencies on a causing signal loss or dead spots.
single wireless medium or device. This Depending of what they are made of,
page aims to give you an overview about floors, walls, and ceilings can either
Wireless Broadband -IEEE 802.11 standard strengthen or weaken WLAN signals.
commonly called Wireless LAN. 802.11 is a Interference can be caused by nearby
standard agreed by the IEEE (Institute of stations operating in the same frequency
Electrical and Electronics Engineers, on the same channel. 2.4 GHz cordless
Inc.) the world's leading professional phones for instance can cause great
association for the advancement of interference on 802.11b wireless
technology. 802.11 is the standard networks. Wireless broadband and WLAN
adopted by IEEE to define an over the air devices are called transceiver devices
interface between a wireless client and since it both transmit and receive at the
base station or between two wireless same time. Each component both transmits
clients. The 802.11 standard has evolved and receives IP traffic. Antennas direct
over the years and became one of the most RF power into the air over a coverage
successfully deployed technologies. The area. An Antenna provides wireless LAN
standard now covers 802.11b, 802.11a and devices gain, direction and polarization.
802.11g systems. Radio Frequency (RF) is Gain is the measure of increase in power
the medium use by wireless networks in while direction is the shape of the
the transmission of information over the transmission pattern. Polarization is
air. RF works by converting electrical dependent on antenna alignment and can be
current into radio waves and transmit typically described as vertical or
those waves over the air using a defined horizontal. Most Access Point antennas
frequency of the radio spectrum. An are designed to operate in vertical
example, the AM and FM radios two most pattern for maximum horizontal coverage
commonly known uses of the RF spectrum. plane or polarization. Putting the
The Federal Communications Commission antenna in a horizontal position will
(FCC) is the one administering the use of result in a vertical plane limiting
radio spectrum between the frequencies of coverage. The factor to consider in
9 Kilohertz (KHz) and 300 gigahertz increasing the range of Wireless LAN
(GHz). 802.11 WLAN systems operate in the devices is the Antenna and EIRP. EIRP or
radio spectrum available to the public, Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power
also known as the unlicensed frequency is being governed or limited by FCC
band. These radio spectrum bands are regulations to a maximum of Four (4)
unlicensed, free for use by anyone watts with additional restrictions
provided FCC regulations are complied limitations depending on type of antenna
with. The FCC as a regulatory governs the (directional or omni-directional) and
maximum transmit power of wireless radios antenna placement (indoor or outdoors).
as well as, type of encoding and Some countries limit EIRP to as much as
frequency modulations to be used. In 100mw, above this will require a license
802.11 operations, it is provided for by to operate. This applies mostly for
the FCC that non-licensed radios (such as outdoor WLAN equipments. To deploy
802.11) must accept interference from long-range outdoor wireless broadband and
licensed electronic systems. FCC WLAN devices, please consult your
considers licensed device as the primary country's telecommunication commission
equipment. 802.11 Wireless LAN Standard guidelines on use of outdoor wireless
Operating Frequencies: The 802.11 broadband (WLAN) devices. The goal is to
standard are assigned frequencies 2.4 GHz reach people yearning to start their own
(2.4-2.4835 GHz) on ISM Band and 5 GHz home-based business even in remote
(5.15-5.25 GHz, G.25-5.35 GHz, regions thru cost-effective internet
5.725-5.825 GHz) of the U-NII band. business and long-range wireless
802.11b and 802.11g operates on 2.4 GHz communication solutions.
while 802.11a is operating on the 5 GHz The author, Allan Amps is from the
band. 802.11 assigned frequency range has Telecom industry and has passion and
different characteristics. Lower interest in rural, remote internet
Frequencies (2.4 GHz ) exhibit better connectivity solutions, wireless gadgets
range but with limited bandwidth and and internet home-based business.






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