Introduction to Wireless Networking

Chapter One

History

Spread spectrum wireless networks were developed originally for the military,

First private network was ALOHAnet for the University of Hawaii,

The first wireless technologies were 802.11 and HomeRF,

History (continued)

The turning point for wireless came in mid-1990’s when IEEE ratified the 802.11b standard, The Wi-Fi Alliance was formed to

certify interoperability of wireless local area networks (WLAN) products,

Cisco Systems buys Aironet who was an original maker of 802.11 products,

Today’s Wireless Standards

Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) transmit using radio frequencies (RF) and are regulated by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC),

IEEE The IEEE, a non-profit organization, is

the world's leading professional association for the advancement of technology.

The full name of the IEEE is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., although the organization is referred to by the letters I-E-E-E and pronounced Eye-triple-E.

History of IEEE The IEEE formed in 1963 with the merger of

The AIEE (American Institute of Electrical Engineers, formed in 1884), andthe IRE (Institute of Radio Engineers, formed in 1912).

From its earliest origins, the IEEE has advanced the theory and application of electro

technology and allied sciences; served as a catalyst for technological

innovation; and supported the needs of its members

through a wide variety of programs and services.

History of IEEE (continued)19th Century Growth The last quarter of the nineteenth century was

marked by a tremendous growth in electrical technology. By the early 1880s,

Telegraph wires crisscrossed the United States. Europe and America were connected by underwater

cable. Arc lights were in use in several cities. Thomas Edison's Pearl Street Station was supplying

power for incandescent lights in New York. There were numerous firms manufacturing electrical

equipment. The telephone was growing in importance as a

communication tool.

History of IEEE (continued) The growth in technology and the

planning for an international Electrical Exhibition to be held by the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia prompted twenty-five of America's most prominent electrical engineers -- including Thomas Edison, Elihu Thomson and Edwin Houston -- to call for the formation of a society to promote their burgeoning discipline.

History of IEEE (continued) AIEE: (American Institute of Electrical

Engineers) Wire Communications, Light and Power

On 13 May 1884, the AIEE was born in New York. It quickly gained recognition as a representative for American electrical engineers.

From the beginning, the major interests of the AIEE were wire communications and light and power systems.

History of IEEE (continued) An early and active participant in the

development of electrical industry standards, the Institute laid the foundations for all work on electrical standards done in the United States.

But by 1912, the interests and needs of those specializing in the expanding field of radio could no longer be satisfied by periodic technical committee meetings in their local areas.

History of IEEE (continued)

The IRE: Wireless Communications Two largely local organizations -- the

Society of Wireless and Telegraph Engineers and the Wireless Institute -- merged to form an international society for scientists and engineers involved in the development of wireless communications. Together they became the Institute of Radio Engineers.

History of IEEE (continued) Many of the original members of the IRE also were

members of the AIEE. The structural development and general activities of both organizations were similar.

Specialized segments were gathered into professional groups under a central governing body.

Geographical units and student branches were formed.

Meetings and publications facilitated the creation of an extensive literature and the exchange of knowledge.

Membership grades were established. Standards development became a major effort.

History of IEEE (continued)

Enter 'electronics' In the 1930's, electronics became part of

the electrical-engineering vocabulary. Although electronics engineers typically became members of the IRE, the extensive applications of electron tube technology made it more and more difficult to distinguish the technical boundaries between the IRE and the AIEE.

After World War II, the two organizations became increasingly competitive.

History of IEEE (continued)

AIEE, IRE Merge to form IEEE In 1961, the leadership of both the

IRE and the AIEE sought to resolve these difficulties through consolidation.  

A merger plan was formulated and approved, becoming effective on 1 January 1963.

Today’s IEEE Wireless Standards

Current standards in use, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a (not compatible with b), IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (the newest),

Applications of Wireless LAN’s Three main roles for Wireless LAN’s

802.11 LAN’s are usually used in an Access role,

Laptop carts Wireless home networks,

Sometimes used in a Distribution role, Wireless bridges to connect hardwired buildings to

a single network, Because of a lack of speed Wireless LAN’s are

not usually used as the Core layer of a network,

Common Uses

Educational/Classroom use, Health care, Network Extension to Remote Areas, Industrial Warehousing and

Manufacturing, Bridging,

Building to Building

Common Uses (continued)

Last Mile Data Delivery Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Temporary or Mobile Offices, Metro Area Wireless LAN Public Hotspots