The standards for wireless LAN (WLAN) are part of the IEEE 802 family, which defines physical and data link layer protocols in internetworking. The specific subset of standards that further define WLAN protocols is covered within the 802.11 subset of working groups. This appendix describes the most common 802.11 WLAN standards along with their proper nomenclature and a brief description. Figure A-1 illustrates the relationship of the OSI internetworking model with the individual protocol.
Standard | Specification | Description |
|---|---|---|
802.11a | Wireless LAN Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) specifications: high-speed physical layer in the 5-GHz band | Defines the link protocol for devices in the 5-GHz spectrum. Uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) for modulation. |
802.11b | Higher Speed PHY extension in the 2.4-GHz band | Defines the link protocol for devices in the 2.4-GHz spectrum. Uses Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) for modulation. |
802.11d | Wireless LAN MAC and PHY Specifications: Specification for operation in additional regulatory domains | Identifies and selects operating radio frequencies within geopolitical areas. |
802.11e | Wireless MAC and PHY specifications: MAC Quality of Service (QoS) enhancements | In progress. Enhances 802.11 to provide QoS. Is key to providing voice and video in WLAN. |
802.11f | Recommended practice for multi-vendor access point Interoperability via an Inter-Access point protocol across distribution systems supporting IEEE 802.11 | Provides IAPP for multi-vendor AP interoperability across a distribution system supporting 802.11 links. |
802.11g | Further higher data rate extensions in the 2.4-GHz band | Defines the extension for data rates in the 2.4-GHz spectrum. Uses OFDM for modulation. |
802.11h | Spectrum and Transmit Power Management Extensions in the 5-GHz band in Europe | Specifies Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) and Transmit Power Control (TPC), allowing operation of 5-GHz bands in Europe. Potentially will pave the way for additional channels for 802.11 in North America. |
802.11i | Wireless LAN MAC security enhancements | Enhances 802.11 to provide security and authentication mechanisms. |
802.11j | Wireless LAN MAC and PHY specifications—Amendment 7: 4.9 GHz–5 GHz Operation in Japan | Enhances 802.11a PHY and 802.11 MAC to allow operation of 4.9-GHz and 5-GHz bands in Japan. Includes World SKU radio, Outdoor OFDM, and 10-MHz channel spacing. |
802.11k | Radio Resource Measurement (RRM) | In progress. Provides consistent radio and network measurements to higher layers. |
Each standard addresses a specific layer in the OSI model.