Wireless Local Networks -- a Revolution in Local Access

Synopsis
Wireless Local Networks -- a Revolution in Local Access introduces and thoroughly develops the key technical concepts and initiatives that are driving the global revolution in mobile computing services. Vital elements of this subject include understanding the challenges of effectively transporting data over the wireless medium, and adapting Internet service to this medium. This course covers the core enabling technologies that make delivery of data services over mobile systems practical and secure, and explores the exciting developments that are coming to define the emerging wireless telecommunications infrastructure.

Focus
The convergence of wireless communications and Internet technology is creating remarkable opportunities for innovation. The remarkable changes that are happening in each of these two fields is noteworthy, but in combination, the momentum that these topics are generating in the industry is truly exciting. This short course covers the essential elements of this emerging discipline, and develops an understanding of how these component parts contribute to vital new systems solutions.

The unprecedented growth and pace of innovation in the Internet and its related family of protocols and applications is now having a major impact on the mix of technologies that are part of the emergent mobile computing developments. Many of the details of just how the mainstream of Internet technology will be adapted to the mobile environment are still in process of getting sorted out. Regardless of these outcomes, it is certain that initiatives with Wireless LANs, Third Generation Mobile/Cellular, and Mobile IP are important developments in this area.

Who Should Attend
This short course is designed to appeal to, and offer effective, highly usable knowledge to professionals that are affected by mobile/wireless data technology. This includes IT specialists, engineers, managers, planners and developers.

This course is intended to appeal to a range of backgrounds, ranging from junior/intermediate people needing a more comprehensive knowledge base, to specialists in one or more of the embedded disciplines who wish to broaden their professional skills.

Course Material and Program Features
Each delegate is provided with a permanent, comprehensive workbook which is much more than a set of lecture notes. In addition to being a workbook designed to track with the lecture portion of the program, it is designed with features that give it real value as a permanent reference book.

These include:

• All text is presented in the form of complete fully descriptive sentences, designed to be a highly readable, long-term valuable reference on the job.
• A text-book style Subject Index and a comprehensive Table of Contents, consistent with effective reference access to content details.
• A thorough, highly readable subject-specific glossary which provides detailed descriptive treatment of key items of terminology.

Program Outline for: Wireless Local Networks -- a Revolution in Local Access

(i) Introduction
The Compelling Advantages of Wireless/Mobile
WLAN Infrastructure: The Hot Spot Phenomenon
Emerging Competitive Positions; WLAN vs. Mobile/Cellular Service
Multiple Access Alternatives; FDMA/TDMA/CDMA

(ii) Review of Wired LAN Technologies
Ethernet LANs; Features and Limitations
High Speed Ethernet Developments
Collision Diameter and Drive Distance
Connectivity Tools; Bridges and Routers
Relation to Internet Protocol

(iii) Wireless LANs
Issues: Safety, Security and Cost
The IEEE 802.11-series of Standards
Technology Features of the IEEE 802.11
Physical Layer; Infrared, Spread-Spectrum and OFDM
High Speed Wireless LAN Developments

(iv) Designing Wireless LANs
Radio Propagation Concepts
An Inconvenient Marriage: Packets and Wireless
Coverage Challenges In-Doors
Radio Propagation; Multipath Fading and Mitigation
Working With Limited Capacity -- Performance Issues
Integrating WLANs With The Wired Infrastructure
Typical Configuration Scenarios

(v) Related Wireless Developments
Bluetooth Technology and Applications
Compatibility Problems Between Bluetooth and WLANs
Packet-based Mobile/Cellular Services
GPRS, EDGE and 3G UMTS Features
Wireless Subscriber or Local Loops
WiMax (IEEE 802.16) Developments and Applications

(vi) Mobile IP; Concepts and Issues
Disconnecting from Fixed Infrastructure
Maintaining IP Connectivity With a Mobile Unit
Functions of the Mobile Agent, Home Agent and Foreign Agent
Agent Discovery, Authentication and Registration
Responsibilities and Features of Mobile, Foreign and Home Agents
Mobile IP Implementations and Challenges

(vii) Review of Security Issues and Strategies
Inherent Security Risks With Wireless
Encryption Techniques; Private and Public Key Systems
Key Management Challenges With a Mobile Community
Wired Equivalent Privacy, A Flawed Beginning to WLAN Security
WPA1 and WPA2: Re-engineering Initiatives

(viii) Authenticating Users and Securing Access With VPNs
Virtual Private Networks - Features Review
Authenticating Users and Access Points
The Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Certificates
RADIUS, TACACS and Diameter Authentication Tools
Practical Techniques for Ensuring a Secure WLAN
VPN Configurations for WLAN Security

Appendices
Glossary of Terminology
Suggestions For Further Reading

General Index

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