This report will explore the use of the latest wireless technology, the IEEE standard known as 802.11a, in providing fast, robust, and flexible wireless Local Area Networks that are inexpensive to install and maintain in corporate, government, medical, and educational environments. We will see how it differs from the 802.11b standard. I will enumerate its benefits compared to other connectivity solutions.
             IEEE 802.11 specification is a WLAN standard that specifies the over the air interface between a wireless client and a base station (or access point). 802.11 supports both portable and mobile stations. While portable station can be moved from location to location, it is generally used from a fixed location (for example a laptop in the office). The mobile station accesses the WLAN while it is in motion (for example a user accessing a PDA while he or she is walking). The 802.11 specifications have defined different physical media - the radio-based physical 802.11b media operates at 2.4 GHz ISM band. 802.11b can provide bandwidths up to 11 Mbps at a distance of 50 to 150 feet indoors to over 1000 feet (with line of sight) outdoor. Hardware support is already available for Windows, various UNIX flavors, Macintosh (AirPort interface).
             802.11a is the implementation of physical layer at 5 GHz UNII (Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure) in the USA. 802.11a operates up to 54 Mbps. However, due to power limits, the access points offer access only within a few dozen feet. This is particularly suitable for home use where high bandwidth applications e.g. DVD, video-on-demand, digital TV, HDTV etc. are typically deployed. The commercial hardware supporting this standard is likely to roll out by end of 2001. Although the 802.11a and 802.11b standards were established concurrently, 802.11b was first to market due to its simpler technical implementation. However, 802.11a, offering significant performance advantages, is now available
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