Introduction to Ieee 802.11 Wireless Lan Technology (Wireless Broadband Overview)
In information technology, a wireless local area network (WLAN) is a wireless broadband technology that uses radio frequency (RF) to send and receive data over long distances, thus reducing the need for conventional networks.
In the usage of Wireless LAN, there are two competing RF technologies: the IEEE 802.11 standard and proprietary technologies. The IEEE 802.11 standard is the most widely used. Both technologies are classified as wireless broadband technology. To be broadband, a device or medium must be capable of transmitting large amounts of data and video at fast speeds across a wide variety of frequencies on a single wireless medium or device.
This website attempts to provide you with an overview of the IEEE 802.11 standard, often known as Wireless LAN, which is used for wireless broadband. IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.), the world’s largest professional organization for the development of technology, has agreed on a standard known as 802.11 for wireless networking. An over-the-air interface between a wireless client and a base station or between two wireless clients is defined by the IEEE standard 802.11, which was approved in 2003.
The IEEE 802.11 standard has developed over the years and has become one of the most widely used and successful technologies on the market. The standard currently includes 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11g systems, in addition to previous versions.
Radiation Frequency (RF) is a transmission medium used by wireless networks for the transfer of data across long distances. RF technology works by transforming electrical current into radio waves and transmitting those waves over the air using a certain frequency of the radio spectrum that has been set. As an example, the AM and FM radios are two of the most well-known applications of the radio frequency spectrum.
When it comes to radio spectrum between the frequencies of 9 Kilohertz (KHz) and 300 gigahertz (GHz), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is in charge of overseeing its usage (GHz). 802.11 WLAN systems operate on the radio spectrum that is accessible to the general public, which is referred to as the unlicensed frequency band (unlicensed spectrum). These radio spectrum bands are unlicensed and available for use by anybody, as long as the Federal Communications Commission’s rules are followed.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is a regulatory body that regulates the maximum transmit power of wireless radios, as well as the kind of encoding and frequency modulations that may be utilized. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandates that non-licensed radios (such as 802.11) tolerate interference from licensed electronic systems while conducting 802.11 operations. The Federal Communications Commission considers a licensed device to be the main equipment.
Standard Operating Frequencies for the 802.11 Wireless LAN Standard: The 802.11 standard has been allocated frequencies in the ISM band between 2.4 and 2.4835 GHz, as well as 5 GHz (5.15-5.25 GHz, G.25-5.35 GHz, 5.725-5.825 GHz) in the U-NII band between 5.15 and 5.825 GHz. 802.11b and 802.11g operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency range, while 802.11a works on the 5 GHz frequency band.
The frequency range allocated to 802.11 has a variety of features. Lower frequencies (2.4 GHz) have a greater range, but have a restricted bandwidth and data throughput, compared to higher frequencies. Greater frequencies (5 GHz) have a shorter range but higher data rates. Nevertheless, they are more susceptible to being blocked by solid objects.
Because of attenuation and interference, there is a reduction in signal strength. When the receiver is located farther away from the transmitter, the attenuation, or loss of signal intensity, that occurs during transmission is greater. Attenuation is also caused by obstacles like mountains and buildings, which may cause signal loss or dead spots by obstructing or weakening radio waves and causing signal loss. Floors, walls, and ceilings may either enhance or decrease WLAN signals, depending on the material from which they are constructed. Interference may be produced by neighboring stations that are using the same frequency and channel as the one being utilized. Cordless phones, for example, that operate at 2.4 GHz may cause significant interference on 802.11b wireless networks.
Wireless broadband and WLAN devices are referred to as transceiver devices since they are capable of simultaneously transmitting and receiving data. Each component is responsible for both transmitting and receiving IP traffic. Antennas are devices that transmit radio frequency energy into the air across a defined coverage region. An antenna is a component of a wireless LAN equipment that offers strength, direction, and polarization. The term “gain” refers to the measurement of an increase in power, whereas the term “direction” refers to the form of the transmission pattern. Polarization is determined by the orientation of the antennas and is usually classified as either vertical or horizontal. The majority of access point antennas are intended to operate in a vertical pattern in order to provide the greatest horizontal coverage plane or polarization possible. Placing the antenna in a horizontal position will result in a vertical plane, which will reduce coverage area.
When it comes to extending the range of wireless LAN devices, the antenna and EIRP are important considerations. In accordance with FCC rules, EIRP or Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power is restricted to a maximum of four (4) watts with additional restrictions/limitations depending on the kind of antenna (directional or omni-directional) and the location of the antenna in relation to the transmitter (indoor or outdoors). Some nations restrict EIRP to as little as 100mw, and anything over this will need the acquisition of a license. This is especially true for wireless LAN equipment used outside.
Prior to deploying long-range outdoor wireless broadband and WLAN devices, it is recommended that you study the recommendations for the use of outdoor wireless broadband (WLAN) devices published by your country’s telecommunications commission.
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