Appendix A. Wireless LAN Standards Reference


The standards for wireless LAN (WLAN) are part of the IEEE 802 family, which defines physical and data link layer protocols in internetworking. The specific subset of standards that further define WLAN protocols is covered within the 802.11 subset of working groups. This appendix describes the most common 802.11 WLAN standards along with their proper nomenclature and a brief description. Figure A-1 illustrates the relationship of the OSI internetworking model with the individual protocol.

Figure A-1. EEE 802.11 WLAN Standards


Standard

Specification

Description

802.11a

Wireless LAN Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) specifications: high-speed physical layer in the 5-GHz band

Defines the link protocol for devices in the 5-GHz spectrum. Uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) for modulation.

802.11b

Higher Speed PHY extension in the 2.4-GHz band

Defines the link protocol for devices in the 2.4-GHz spectrum. Uses Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) for modulation.

802.11d

Wireless LAN MAC and PHY Specifications: Specification for operation in additional regulatory domains

Identifies and selects operating radio frequencies within geopolitical areas.

802.11e

Wireless MAC and PHY specifications: MAC Quality of Service (QoS) enhancements

In progress. Enhances 802.11 to provide QoS. Is key to providing voice and video in WLAN.

802.11f

Recommended practice for multi-vendor access point Interoperability via an Inter-Access point protocol across distribution systems supporting IEEE 802.11

Provides IAPP for multi-vendor AP interoperability across a distribution system supporting 802.11 links.

802.11g

Further higher data rate extensions in the 2.4-GHz band

Defines the extension for data rates in the 2.4-GHz spectrum. Uses OFDM for modulation.

802.11h

Spectrum and Transmit Power Management Extensions in the 5-GHz band in Europe

Specifies Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) and Transmit Power Control (TPC), allowing operation of 5-GHz bands in Europe. Potentially will pave the way for additional channels for 802.11 in North America.

802.11i

Wireless LAN MAC security enhancements

Enhances 802.11 to provide security and authentication mechanisms.

802.11j

Wireless LAN MAC and PHY specificationsAmendment 7: 4.9 GHz5 GHz Operation in Japan

Enhances 802.11a PHY and 802.11 MAC to allow operation of 4.9-GHz and 5-GHz bands in Japan. Includes World SKU radio, Outdoor OFDM, and 10-MHz channel spacing.

802.11k

Radio Resource Measurement (RRM)

In progress. Provides consistent radio and network measurements to higher layers.


Each standard addresses a specific layer in the OSI model.




The Business Case for Enterprise-Class Wireless Lans
The Business Case for Enterprise-Class Wireless LANs
ISBN: 1587201259
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2004
Pages: 163

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