Wireless LANs Demystified

Within the next few years, 40-50% of all companies will attempt to execute a wireless application strategy - bringing the number of wireless data users to a whopping 36 million by 2003 - and many, if not most, will look to wireless LANs as the way to get there. Now considered the fastest, most economical way for wirelessly enabling a business, wireless LANs can be quickly, easily, and inexpensively deployed using existing infrastructure. Whether you're responsible for a two-person shop or multimillion dollar corporation, you'll find all the information you need to design, implement, and deploy wireless LANs in a corporate environment in Wireless LANs Demystified.

Worth its weight in gold to CTOs, CIOs, IT directors, managers, consultants, and anyone else planning to (or in the process of) deploying wireless LANs in their corporate network, Wireless LANs Demystified:

• Includes detailed information on wirelessly enabling employees to work from any location within the office, as well as outside locations
• Examines the all the important wireless protocols such as 802.11, Bluetooth, WAP, CDMA, 3G, and more
• Examines all the benefits of wireless LANs, with particular emphasis on cost-saving and support solutions
• Provides priceless firsthand information about deploying Microsoft .NET-related wireless LAN applications
• Covers every aspect of deployment - including range, reliability, compatibility with existing networks, security, and scalability

CHAPTER 1: THE WIRED ENTERPRISE BACKGROUND
Ethernet
Ethernet in Use
WLAN Advantage
Summary
CHAPTER 2: WELCOME TO THE WIRELESS ENTERPRISE
Returning to AlohaNet
Today's WLAN Technology
PAN Technology
Building-to-Building WWANs
In-Building WLANs
Cellular-Based Wireless Technology
Summary
CHAPTER 3: WIRELESS LAN PRIMER
Physical Media Layer
MAC Protocol
Wireless Network Infrastructures
Selecting the Hardware
Choosing the Best Configuration for the Enterprise
Coverage Options
Site Surveys
Range and Coverage in the Real World
Microcells and Roaming
Mobile IP
Security
First-Generation WLAN Security
A Complete Security Solution
Integration with Existing Networks
Number of Clients per Access Point
Throughput
Integrity and Reliability of the Wireless Enterprise
Summary
CHAPTER 4: ACCESS POINT INSTALLATION
Access Point Installation and Configuration Outline
Access Point Monitoring
Key Access Point Features
Infrastructure Network Configuration Examples
Installation Guidelines
Access Point Utility Software
Configuration
Security Setup
Managing Firmware and Configurations
Basic Troubleshooting
Summary
CHAPTER 5: WIRELESS NETWORKS AND WINDOWS XP
Easing the Security Burden with RADIUS
Installation and Configuration Guide
Preparing for Installation
Installation of Client Adapters
Configuring the Client Adapter
Performing Diagnostics
Routine Procedures
Troubleshooting
Configuring the Client Adapter Through Windows XP
Overview of Security Features
Installation and Configuration Guide for Windows CE
Preparing for Installation
Installing the Client Adapter
Enabling Security Features
Windows CE-Based Device Notes
Advanced Configuration
Performing the Diagnostics
Routine Procedures
Troubleshooting the Client Adapter
Error Messages
Summary
CHAPTER 6: WIRELESS HOME NETWORK CONFIGURATIONS
Deployment Considerations
Bringing the Wireless Enterprise Home
Various WLANs for the Home
Ad Hoc Network Using ICS
Infrastructure Network Setup Using an Access Point
Infrastructure Network Setup Using an Access Point Router
Windows ICS Setup
Windows CE-Based Device Notes
Connecting to the Corporate Network Through the Home LAN
Building the Wireless VPN
Summary
CHAPTER 7: WRAP UP