Chapter Four

Wireless Local Area Networks

(WLAN)
 Contents

WLAN Overview
IEEE802.11 (WLAN) Standards
HiperLAN
WPAN Overview
IEEE 802.15 (WPAN) Standards
Wireless Sensor Networks and ZigBee
 WLAN Overview
WLANs are wireless networks that allow devices to
connect and communicate wirelessly within a limited
area, typically within a building or campus.
They are commonly used for providing internet access,
file sharing, and local network services without the need
for physical wired connections.
 WLAN Overview
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a network that connects devices like
computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets without using physical cables. Instead, it
uses radio waves to transmit data between devices and an access point, which acts as a
central hub for the network.
Function: They provide network connectivity and internet access to devices within a
limited area, typically a home, office, or small campus.
Technology: They use radio waves to transmit data, with Wi-Fi being the most common
technology used in WLANs.
Benefits: WLANs offer several advantages over wired networks, including:
 Mobility: Users can move around the coverage area while maintaining a network connection.
 Flexibility: Easier to set up and expand compared to wired networks.
 Cost-effective: Eliminates the need for expensive cables and network installations.
WLAN Overview
How does a WLAN work?
WLANs operate similarly to traditional wired networks, but they use radio waves instead
of cables. Here's a simplified breakdown:
Devices: Each device on the network has a wireless adapter that translates data into radio
signals and vice versa.
Access Point (AP): The AP acts as a central communication hub. It broadcasts radio
signals containing network data and receives signals from connected devices.
Data Transmission: Devices communicate with the AP by sending and receiving radio
signals. Data is transmitted in packets, which are small units of information containing
addressing and control information.
Internet Access: The AP can connect to the internet through a wired connection,
allowing connected devices to access the internet wirelessly.
WLAN Overview

Security considerations
While convenient, WLANs are susceptible to security threats like
unauthorized access and data interception.
It's crucial to implement security measures like strong passwords, encryption,
and access control mechanisms to protect your network and data.
IEEE802.11 (WLAN) Standards
IEEE 802.11 standards define the specifications for WLANs, including
protocols for wireless communication.
These standards cover various aspects such as data rates, frequency bands,
modulation techniques, security protocols, and quality of service (QoS)
mechanisms.
Common IEEE 802.11 standards include 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n,
802.11ac, and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6).
The IEEE 802.11 family of standards, also known as Wi-Fi, defines the
technical specifications for wireless local area networks (WLANs).
These standards govern how devices communicate with each other and with
access points (APs) using radio waves.
IEEE802.11 (WLAN) Standards
Here's a breakdown of key points about IEEE 802.11 standards:
Purpose: They define the protocols for medium access control (MAC) and physical layer
(PHY) of WLAN communication.
Importance: They are the foundation for interoperability between different Wi-Fi devices
and access points from various manufacturers.
Evolution: Over time, new amendments have been introduced to improve various aspects
of WLANs, including:
 Increased data rates: Newer standards offer significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to
earlier versions.
 Enhanced range and capacity: Newer standards allow for longer range and support more devices on a
single network.
 Improved security: Newer standards incorporate stronger security features to address evolving threats.
IEEE802.11 (WLAN) Standards
Here's a breakdown of key points about IEEE 802.11 standards:
Purpose: They define the protocols for medium access control (MAC) and physical layer
(PHY) of WLAN communication.
Importance: They are the foundation for interoperability between different Wi-Fi devices
and access points from various manufacturers.
Evolution: Over time, new amendments have been introduced to improve various aspects
of WLANs, including:
 Increased data rates: Newer standards offer significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to
earlier versions.
 Enhanced range and capacity: Newer standards allow for longer range and support more devices on a
single network.
 Improved security: Newer standards incorporate stronger security features to address evolving threats.
IEEE802.11 (WLAN) Standards

Standard Year Frequency Maximum Speed

802.11a 1999 5 GHz 54 Mbps
802.11b 1999 2.4 GHz 11 Mbps
802.11g 2003 2.4 GHz 54 Mbps

802.11n 2009 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz 300 Mbps

802.11ac 2013 5 GHz 1.3 Gbps

802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) 2019 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz & 6 GHz 9.6 Gbps
HiperLAN
HiperLAN (High-Performance Radio Local Area Network) is a
set of European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI)
standards for WLANs.
It was developed as an alternative to IEEE 802.11 standards,
primarily in Europe, but has not gained as much global adoption as
IEEE 802.11 standards.
It was intended as a European alternative to the IEEE 802.11
family of standards, commonly known as Wi-Fi.
HiperLAN
Here are some key points about HiperLAN:
 History: Development began in 1991, with the first standard, HiperLAN/1, released in 1996. It
aimed to provide higher data rates than the then-existing 802.11 standards.
 Technical features: HiperLAN/1 operated in the 5 GHz frequency band and offered a maximum data
rate of 23.5 Mbps. It used a different MAC layer than 802.11, which led to limited interoperability
between the two standards.
 Market adoption: HiperLAN/1 did not achieve widespread market adoption due to various factors,
including the dominance of 802.11 and the lack of support from major chipset manufacturers.
 Subsequent versions: ETSI developed subsequent versions of HiperLAN, including HiperLAN/2
(2000) and HiperLAN/3 (2006). These standards offered higher data rates and improved features, but
they still failed to gain significant market traction.
 Current status: HiperLAN is no longer actively developed, and the focus has shifted towards the
IEEE 802.11 family of standards, which has become the dominant wireless LAN technology
worldwide.
HiperLAN

Standard Year Frequency Maximum Speed

HiperLAN/1 1996 5 GHz 23.5 Mbps
HiperLAN/2 2000 5 GHz 54 Mbps
HiperLAN/3 2006 5 GHz 108 Mbps
WPAN Overview
WPANs are wireless networks that connect devices over a short range,
typically within a few meters or tens of meters.
They are designed for personal or localized communication between
devices, such as Bluetooth devices, wireless keyboards, and wireless
mice.
WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) is a type of network that
connects devices within a short range, typically around 10 meters (33
feet). They are commonly used for connecting personal devices such as
smartphones, laptops, tablets, printers, headsets, and other peripherals
WPAN Overview
Here are some key points about WPANs:
Function: They enable data exchange between devices within a personal
workspace.
Technology: They use various wireless technologies like Bluetooth, Zigbee,
and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for communication.
Applications: They are commonly used in various scenarios, including:
 Connecting peripherals to your computer (e.g., mouse, keyboard, printer)
 Using a wireless headset for calls
 Transferring files between devices
 Connecting to smart home devices
IEEE 802.15 (WPAN) Standards
IEEE 802.15 standards specify the standards for WPANs, including
protocols for wireless communication in short-range networks.
The most well-known standard within IEEE 802.15 is Bluetooth,
which enables wireless communication between devices over short
distances.
These standards define the communication protocols for low-power,
short-range wireless networks designed for connecting devices
within a personal operating space.
IEEE 802.15 (WPAN) Standards
Here's a breakdown of key points about IEEE 802.15 standards:
 Purpose: They define the physical (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layers of the Open Systems
Interconnection (OSI) model for WPANs.
 Focus: They emphasize low power consumption, low complexity, and low cost, making them suitable for
battery-powered devices with limited processing power.
 Different standards: The 802.15 working group has developed several standards for different WPAN
applications, including:
 IEEE 802.15.1 (Bluetooth): Defines the underlying technology for Bluetooth devices.
 IEEE 802.15.4 (Low-Rate WPAN): Offers low data rates but enables extended battery life (months or even years) for
devices like sensors in building automation and smart homes. Forms the basis for Zigbee and Thread protocols.
 IEEE 802.15.5 (Mesh Networking): Defines the architectural framework for building interoperable, scalable mesh
networks using 802.15.4 or other WPAN technologies.
 Other standards: The group also addresses high-rate WPANs (802.15.3) and Body Area Networks (BANs) (802.15.6).
IEEE 802.15 (WPAN) Standards
Here are some additional points to consider:
Applications: WPAN technologies based on 802.15 standards are widely used in
various applications, including:
 Smart homes: Connecting sensors, lights, thermostats, and other devices for home automation.
 Industrial automation: Sensor networks for monitoring and control in factories and industrial settings.
 Wearable devices: Connecting fitness trackers, smartwatches, and other wearables to smartphones.
 Wireless gaming peripherals: Connecting controllers and other gaming peripherals wirelessly.
Evolution: The 802.15 working group continues to develop new standards to
address the evolving needs of WPAN applications, focusing on aspects like
increased data rates, improved security, and lower power consumption.
Wireless Sensor Networks and ZigBee
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are networks of spatially distributed
autonomous sensors that monitor physical or environmental conditions.
ZigBee is a wireless communication standard designed for low-power,
low-data-rate applications in WSNs and WPANs.
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) represent a vital component of the
Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, enabling the collection, processing,
and transmission of data from the physical world to digital systems.
Within WSNs, ZigBee emerges as a prominent wireless communication
protocol, offering numerous advantages in various applications.
Wireless Sensor Networks and ZigBee
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs):
1. Definition and Purpose: WSNs consist of spatially distributed autonomous sensors that monitor physical or
environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and more.
2. Key Components: WSNs comprise sensor nodes, which typically consist of sensing, processing, and communication
components. These nodes collaborate to gather data from the environment, process it locally, and transmit relevant
information to designated destinations, such as data collection points or central servers.
3. Applications: WSNs find applications in various domains, including:
1. Environmental Monitoring: Tracking air and water quality, monitoring wildlife habitats, and assessing ecological
parameters.
2. Industrial Automation: Monitoring equipment health, optimizing processes, and ensuring workplace safety.
3. Healthcare: Remote patient monitoring, fall detection, and smart medical devices.
4. Agriculture: Precision farming, crop monitoring, and livestock tracking.
5. Smart Infrastructure: Structural health monitoring, traffic management, and urban planning.
Wireless Sensor Networks and ZigBee
ZigBee:
 Introduction: ZigBee is a wireless communication standard specifically designed for low-power, low-data-rate
applications within WSNs and Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs).
 It operates on the IEEE 802.15.4 physical radio specification and offers robust, reliable, and energy-efficient
communication for constrained devices.
Key Features:
1. Low Power Consumption: ZigBee's energy-efficient design enables long battery life for sensor nodes, making it suitable
for applications requiring extended operational periods.
2. Mesh Networking: ZigBee supports mesh networking topologies, allowing devices to communicate through multiple
hops, thereby extending network coverage and enhancing reliability.
3. Scalability: ZigBee networks can scale from a few nodes to hundreds or thousands, accommodating diverse deployment
scenarios and application requirements.
4. Security: ZigBee incorporates robust security mechanisms, including encryption and authentication, to safeguard data
transmission and protect against unauthorized access.
Wireless Sensor Networks and ZigBee
ZigBee:
Applications: ZigBee is widely used in various applications, including:
1. Home Automation: Smart lighting, thermostat control, home security systems, and smart appliances.
2. Industrial Control: Building automation, asset tracking, equipment monitoring, and process optimization.
3. Healthcare: Remote patient monitoring, medical device connectivity, and ambient assisted living.
4. Smart Energy: Smart metering, demand response, energy management, and renewable energy systems.
In summary, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) empowered by ZigBee technology offer
scalable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for monitoring and controlling physical
environments across diverse domains.
By enabling seamless connectivity and intelligent data collection, WSNs contribute to
enhanced decision-making, resource optimization, and improved quality of life.
Thank you!!!