IEEE 802.11.

IEEE 802.11 are standards followed for 802.11 wireless lan (local area networks). IEEE, an acronym for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, well known for developing standards for the computer and electronics industry, including IEEE 802.11. IEEE 802.11 developed a family of specifications for 802.11 wireless lan technology. The purpose of the IEEE 802.11 standard was to develop a specification for wireless connectivity for fixed portable and moving stations in the 802.11 wireless lan local area.

The set of IEEE 802.11 network standards developed are numerous including IEEE 802.11.and each IEEE standard is different. 

• IEEE 802.11 refers to standards relating to network management. 
• The IEEE 802.11 first accepted this specification in 1997, IEEE 802.11 specifies an over-the-air interface between a wireless client and a base station. 
• IEEE 802.11 specification can also be between two wireless clients.
• The IEEE 802.11 draft standard specifies a single Medium Access Control (MAC) sub layer. 
• The IEEE 802.11 also ratifies 3 Physical Layer specifications.

802.11 Wireless Specifications.

There are several specifications within the 802.11 family:

• 802.11 - applies to 802.11 wireless lans. 802.11 provides 1 or 2 Mbps transmission using either FHSS (frequency hopping spread spectrum) or DSSS (direct sequence SS)
• 802.11 a - is an extension to 802.11. 802.11 a uses an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing encoding scheme.
• 802.11 b - also an extension to 802.11. The 802.11 b applies to 802.11 wireless Lans and 802.11 b uses only DSSS. 802.11 b was a ratification to the 1999 original 802.11 standard. 802.11 b or 802.11 wireless allowed wireless functionality compared to Ethernet. 802.11 b is also referred to as 802.11 High Rate or Wi-Fi.
• 802.11 g - applies to 802.11 wireless lan's and provides 20+ Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band.

What About 802.11 Wireless Security?

802.11 security is being investigated. A Linux-based wireless prototype personal digital assistant (PDA) will automatically monitor 802.11 wireless networks. An 802.11 security analyzer is another term for this device to collect security-related information. This software tool is under development to identify these 802.11 wireless lan nodes which can be vulnerable. 

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