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What is Wireless-LAN?
Infrastructure Networks
Many Wlans need this network
Include forwarding functions, medium
access control with addition to access to
other networks
Design is simple as n/w functionality lies
within access point; wireless clients
remain simple
Collisions occur when medium access of
wireless nodes and access point is not
coordinated
Infrastructure Network
Ad-hoc Networks
No infrastructure
Every node communicates directly
with other; hence no access point
Complexity of nodes is high:- nodes
have to implement medium access,
mechanisms to handle hidden or
exposed terminals
Provide flexibility :- unexpected
meetings, quick replacements of
infrastructure
System Architecture
Infrastructure Based IEEE 802.11:
Nodes called stations are connected to access points
The access point(AP) controls medium access as well as a
bridge to other wireless/ wired networks
Stations are terminals with access mechanisms to wireless
medium and radio contact to AP
Stations and AP within same radio coverage form BSS(Basic
Service Set)
Distributed System: System that connects several BSSs via
the AP to form single n/w, thus extend wireless coverage
area
This n/w is called ESS(Extended Service Set) and is
identified by an ESSID
Role of APs
Support roaming(Change Access
Points)-DS handles the data transfer
b/w different APs
Provides synchronization within a
BSS
Support power management
Control medium access to support
time-bounded service
System Architecture
Ad-Hoc Based IEEE 802.11
IEEE 802.11 allows building of ad-hoc n/w
between stations called IBSS(Independent BSS)
Protocol Architecture
Protocol Architecture
Fig showed wireless LAN connected
to switched IEEE 802.3 Ethernet via
bridge
WLAN behaves like slow wired LAN
Upper layers(LLC,IP,TCP) look same
Flexibility
Planning
Design
Robustness
Cost
Disadvantages of Wireless
LAN
Quality of Service
Proprietary solutions
Restrictions
Safety and Security
Thank You