Wireless LAN Architecture

As microelectronic has made devices smaller, in such a way that users now have power processing devices in the palm of their hands, there is an increasing requirement for connections to networks to be wire-less. Unfortunately many networks rely on cables as they provide a degree of security, as the signals are contained within the cables. They are also fairly robust, and operate error free for many years. Networks have thus grown into vast infrastructures of nodes connected to switches, which are then connected to routers. Each of these connect using a vast array of cables. The physical and logical configuration of the network can thus be well managed, and controlled. For many reasons, such as bandwidth requirements, robustness and security, it is sensible to have fixed networks at the core of any networked system, but the actual connectivity of devices is likely to move away from fixed connections towards mobile ones. This new type of connection is likely to create many new issues, which must be overcome become wireless networking becomes the standard way to connect to a network.