Question

In your own words write an introduction and brief history or background about wireless LAN.

Such as definition, the importance of wireless LAN and etc...

Answer 1

Answer:

A wireless LAN or WLAN is a wireless local area network, which enables communication between two or more computers without using wires. WLAN basically use spread-spectrum or 802.11a modulation technology based on radio waves to enable communication between devices in a limited area, also known as the basic service set. This gives users the mobility to move around within a broad coverage area and still be connected to the network.

History:

In 1970 University of Hawaii, developed the world’s first computer communication network using low-cost ham-like radios, named ALOHA net.The bi-directional star topology of the system included seven computers deployed over four islands to communicate with the central computer on the Oahu Island without using phone lines.

In 1980,An experimental application was conducted of a single code spread spectrum radio for wireless terminal communications in the IEEE National Telecommunications Conference. In 1984, a comparison between Infrared and CDMA spread spectrum communications for wireless office information networks was published in IEEE Computer Networking Symposium which appeared later in the IEEE Communication Society Magazine. In 1985, announcements made that experiments will conduct of ISM bands for commercial application of spread spectrum technology. Later on,experiments were conducted for wireless PBX system using code division multiple access. These efforts prompted significant industrial activities in the development of a new generation of wireless local area networks and it updated several old discussions in the portable and mobile radio industry.

The first generation of wireless data modems was developed in the early 1980's. They added a voice band data communication modem, with data rates below 9600 bit/s, to an existing short distance radio system such as a walkie talkie. The second generation of wireless modems was developed immediately after the FCC announcement in the experimental bands for non-military use of the spread spectrum technology. These modems provided data rates on the order of hundreds of kbit/s. The third generation of wireless modem aimed at compatibility with the existing LANs with data rates on the order of Mbit/s. Several companies [developed] the third generation products with data rates above 1 Mbit/s and a couple of products [had]already been announced.

importance of WLAN:

• it gives power to the end users that they can move freely without restricted to the wires and be still connected to the Network.
• WLAN helps Network providers to provide Network Access beyond the limits thereby reaching more preoples.