Understanding and Capitalizing on WLAN

1 Executive Summary

2 Introduction

3 Wireless Voice and Data Technology Overview

3.1 Cellular Technologies

3.1.1 First Generation

3.1.2 Second Generation

3.1.3 Next Generation

3.1.4 Third Generation (3G)

3.2 Fixed Wireless Access

3.2.1 MMDS

3.2.2 LMDS

3.3 Bluetooth

3.4 Infrared Wireless (IR)

3.5 Ultra Wide Band (UWB)

4 Wireless LANs via 802.11 and HiperLAN

4.1 Categories of WLANs

4.1.1 Private

4.1.2 Semi-Private

4.1.3 Public Access WLANs

4.1.4 Community Networks

4.2 Network Topologies for WLANs

4.2.1 Independent Ad-Hoc Network

4.2.2 Centralized Networks (with AP)

4.3 Standards and their Evolution

4.3.1 802.11 Suite (a, b, g)

4.3.2 HiperLAN/2

4.4 Characteristic Parameters (Problems)

4.4.1 Range, Antennas, Propagation Characteristics, Coverage Area

4.4.2 Security

4.4.3 Radio Interference

4.4.4 Quality of Service

4.4.5 Roaming and Handoffs

4.5 WLAN Components

4.5.1 Access Points

4.5.2 Wireless Repeaters

4.5.3 Wireless Receivers (APs, PCMCIA, PCI cards, USB cards)

4.5.4 Antennas

4.5.5 Wireless Bridge

4.5.6 Wireless Switch

4.6 Electro-Magnetic Health Issues

5 Regulation in different regions of the world

5.1 Spectrum Management, Rules, Framework

5.1.1 Examples of Regulatory Regimes

5.2 Political Considerations

5.3 IEEE 802.11 vs. ETSI HiperLAN

6 Use Cases or Why should you go wireless instead of wired?

6.1 General view of WLAN deployments

6.1.1 Private usage of WLAN

6.1.2 Corporate usage of WLAN

6.2 Who uses what applications where

6.3 Public usage in Hot spots

6.4 Expected Growth

7 The wireless Value Chain

7.1 Corporate Value Chain

7.2 Public Access Value Chain

7.3 Current Deployment & Services offered

8 The Evolution of Wireless LANs

9 Recommendations

10 Appendix