Wireless LAN Technology Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Wireless LAN Technology - Coursework Example WLAN TechnologyThe IEEE 802.11 WLAN technology is a network access technology used in provision of connectivity between wireless points and wired infrastructures of a network. It is generally known as the Wi-Fi which is an aggregate of different technologies. Intel has been a prolific contributor to the IEEE 802.11 standards whose main work is centered on improving QoS, increasing transmission range as well as speeds, and adding new capabilities. The IEEE 802.11 WLAN technology is an extensive family made up of different technologies which are tied to a variety of protocols that have been emerging since the introduction of IEEE 802.11 in 1999 [2, 3]. The protocols include IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11e, IEEE 802.11i, IEEE 802.11u, IEEE 802.11w, IEEE 802.11s, IEEE 802.11ac, and IEEE 802.11ad [2]. One main difference between these standards is data rate [4]. Some IEEE 802.11 protocols are integrated into networking chipsets to form IEEE 802.11 WLAN technologies which are available for purchase. These protocols include IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11n, and IEEE 802.11g [2, 4]. Before purchasing any chipset, the technology beneath it must be examined. This involves examining their performance based on the IEEE 802.11 protocols integrated into them. The differences in the WLAN technologies can be categorized based on frequency, typical data rate, maximum data rate, and range. For instance, IEEE 802.11b was introduced in September 1999.