Wireless Personal and Local Area Networks

Increasingly, people, computers and microelectronic devices are being linked together, bringing to life the communications mantra: anybody, anything, anytime, anywhere. Wireless Personal and Local Area Networks are an essential part of the complex puzzle that will solve the problem of ultimate connectivity.

Understanding wireless Personal and Local Area Networks (WPANs and WLANs)can be problematic. This is due to the fact that there are many technologies and products available, because the market has not yet been consolidated, and that progress and technological innovation is non-stop. The aim of this book is to act as a solid foundation of introductory facts about the technologies upon which the reader can build his/her knowledge of the various networks and systems. The author places special emphasis on explaining the differences between the various WLAN and WPAN technologies.

The book features:

State-of-the-art introductions to technology standards: IEEE802.11, Bluetooth, DECT, HomeRF, HiperLAN/2.

In-depth discussion on essential aspects of safety, security and compatibility.

A practical overview of the structure and administration of a WLAN network, along with a sample installation.

Criteria for choosing the right WLAN product for your requirements. Network and systems administrators, planners, and designers, as well as wireless application developers, will find this overview a useful reference, as will small-business managers considering implementing a WPAN or WLAN.