With the introduction of wireless LAN (WLAN), IP networks are now also available for those applications on which wired technologies are not suitable or no wired connectivity is available at all. The following are a few wireless use cases:
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Home ISP connectivity: Consumer products
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Building-to-building connectivity: Point-to-point and multipoint
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“Last mile” ISP connectivity: Rural Internet access
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Mobility applications: Car rental returns and parcel deliveries
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Enterprise network extension: Reduce, move, add, and change/mobile office environment
Although WLAN appears to be “just another LAN type/protocol,” the nature of wireless is to be a shared medium, and shared not only between a certain workgroup but also shared across the walls, across the building, and with your neighbor. On top of normal networking issues, WLAN adds a couple of new challenges, such as Layer 1 (radio frequency [RF]) issues; a set of L2 protocols, such as IEEE 802.11; and the need for agencies to regulate the use of this shared medium.
