3
Wireless Networks and Real-Time Communications

Gadgets ranging from key chains to tablet PCs use wireless LAN technology today. As a convergence technology professional, it is important that you understand wireless networks and the impact they will have on VoIP and other convergence technologies. In this chapter, you will learn about the fundamentals of wireless networks.

Occasionally, a technology comes along that has the potential to drastically change the way we compute. Wireless has been that kind of technology. Users now demand mobility and location awareness, and we must understand the wireless technologies that enable this. You will learn about the 802.11 wireless LAN standards in this chapter, but you will also learn to identify other wireless technologies, like the wireless cell provider networks and security solutions used on wireless networks.