Build your own wireless LAN - James Trulove

This work introduces wireless LANs, the fastest way to network computers! Whether you are connecting your laptop PC to the Internet or building a sophisticated wireless LAN for your company, this comprehensive guide will give you the information you need to make your design a success! In progressive steps, you will move from learning the fundamentals of WLAN technology to working on increasingly complex wireless projects. You will learn how to build and use wireless LANs for home, office, business, and campus and Internet access. It shows you how to build your own wireless network. It: shows you how to design, install, and configure IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs at data rates of 11 - 54 Mbps, and higher; explains how radio-frequency operation works; gets to the bottom of IEEE 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g; discusses WLAN operation with Bluetooth or HomeRF; makes you familiar with wireless network interface cards, access points, antennas, cabling, and amplifiers; supplies details on operating WLANs with PCs, cell phones, and PDAs; and includes information on integrating your WLAN with complete home automation systems.;You'll also learn how to: provide authentication, access, security, encryption, routing, and firewalling for WLANs; extend the range of your WLAN coverage using directional antennas; perform field measurements to verify coverage; manage potential sources of interference and noise; install point-to-point and point-to-multipoint bridge links; and interface your WLAN to high-speed DSL and Cable Modem access lines. Here's your complete guide to connecting PCs and PDAs wirelessly for an entire building, or just to surf the Internet from your easy chair!