Current WLAN technologies offer increasing data rates, better reliability and dependability, and decreasing costs. Data rates have increased from 1 Mbps to 54 Mbps, interoperability has become a reality with the introduction of the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, and prices have dramatically decreased. As WLANs become more popular, manufacturers can increasingly leverage economies of scale.
There will be many improvements to come. For example, many weaknesses have been found in the basic security settings of WLANs, and stronger security in all future products is a priority. Versions such as 802.11g will offer 54 Mbps like 802.11a, but also will be backward compatible with 802.11b.
This course will cover the general technologies behind 802.11a and 802.11b WLANs, including radio technologies, WLAN design, site preparation, and antenna theory. Detailed coverage of the Cisco Aironet products and accessories will also be presented. Students should be able to apply their knowledge at the completion of the course to design WLANs using products from one or multiple vendors.