• Major wireless LAN devices:
  • Access Points
  • Wireless Bridges -- connects two or more wired LAN segments
  • Workgroup Bridges
  • Residential Gateways
  • Enterprise Gateways
  • Client Adapters (NICs)
• Wireless networking features comparable profiles known as Infrastructure Mode and Ad-Hoc Mode 
• Categories of wireless communications:
  1. Wireless LAN Communications
  2. Wireless Bridging and Internetworking
  3. Wireless Mobile Communications
• Mobile communications include any communications over public carrier facilities by way of radio, cellular and satellite stations. Cellular (mobile) telephones use radio frequencies in an overlapping, honeycomb-shaped cellular pattern to provide coverage throughout a region.
• Wireless LAN communications act like radio communications that connect devices within a single office or floor of a building (or within a home). This is done primarily through a wireless router that connects with a wireless access point (WAP). Essentially this router performs much like a modem that can link a LAN together as well as provide a gateway to the Internet.
• Wireless Bridging and Internetworking: Radio or satellite communications can also be used to connect separate buildings in a more complex network. A wireless bridge device can be used to connect wired Ethernet LANs together through a browser based administrative interface.

• Advantages of Radio or Satellite communications to connect buildings:
• Cabling needs are reduced or essentially eliminated
• Connections can be made to remote locations and through environments
• proven too rigorous for physical media (e.g., mountainous, rocky terrain)
• Penetrates through barriers without drilling holes (e.g., radio waves)
• Less expensive that physical media
• Transmits voice, video and data
• Can transmit in analog and digital
• Mobility without restriction by a cable
• Can be “self healing” since the network makes adjustments to find more reliable paths
• Versatility: easier to adapt and expand as needed

• Disadvantages of Radio or Satellite communications to connect buildings:
• Atmospheric interference
• Clear line-of-site needed for infrared wireless connections
• Frequency licensing from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
• Requires more security vigilance

• IEEE 802.11 is the wireless standard for peer to peer and for client/server networks.
• Wireless LAN Communications
  
  
  • Most often located within a single office building, and utilize a wireless transceiver (also called access point) in a fixed location.
  • Advantages:
  • Flexibility
  • Mobility
  • No FCC license requirement
  • Disadvantages:
  • Security concerns
  • Lack of complete standardization