Local area networks, using copper and fiber cables, are essential to today’s enterprises.  Wireless LAN solutions allow organizations to extend their existing LANs to mobile and remote users and to benefit from ad-hoc networks formed when mobility-enabled devices come together.  Understanding two suites of evolving international standards that comprise the core of this course, the IEEE 802.11 (also called WiFi) LAN standard and personal-area networks based on Bluetooth standard, allows enterprises deploy wireless solutions where most productive and without risk.

• Have a working knowledge of wireless LAN concepts and terminology.
• Understand how wireless LANs can be used to benefit their organization.
• Recognize the capabilities of and applications for wireless LANs.
• Comprehend features, benefits and challenges of LANs based on IEEE 802.11.
• Recognize how wireless LANs and wireline LANs (Ethernet) complement one another.
• Be aware of the features, functions and challenges of Bluetooth.
• Realize the benefits of PANs in their networking environment.
• Be prepared to stay current with the evolution of wireless LANs.

• Non-technical personnel who wish to understand the business case, market opportunities and target deployments for wireless LANs and PANs and desire to develop a general appreciation for the challenges and solutions in this market.  (Line and staff management, contract and personnel supervisors, marketing, sales and finance specialists,…)
• Technical personnel  will develop an understanding of the fundamental challenges and technological solutions developed to provide acceptable wireless extensions to LAN infrastructures and PANs in practical environments.  (Technical staff and managers, engineers, technicians, system and LAN administrators, IT specialists,…)

An understanding of LAN implementations and Ethernet.