802.11 Wireless Networks: The Definitive Guide, Second Edition

by Matthew S. Gast

As we all know by now, wireless networks offer many advantages over fixed (or wired) networks. Foremost on that list is mobility, since going wireless frees you from the tether of an Ethernet cable at a desk. But that's just the tip of the cable-free iceberg. Wireless networks are also more flexible, faster and easier for you to use, and more affordable to deploy and maintain. The de facto standard for wireless networking is the 802.11 protocol, which includes Wi-Fi (the wireless standard known as 802.11b) and its faster cousin, 802.11g. With easy-to-install 802.11 network hardware available everywhere you turn, the choice seems simple, and many people dive into wireless computing with less thought and planning than they'd give to a wired network. But it's wise to be familiar with both the capabilities and risks associated with the 802.11 protocols. And 802.11 Wireless The Definitive Guide , 2nd Edition is the perfect place to start. This updated edition covers everything you'll ever need to know about wireless technology. Designed with the system administrator or serious home user in mind, it's a no-nonsense guide for setting up 802.11 on Windows and Linux. Among the wide range of topics covered are discussions With wireless technology, the advantages to its users are indeed plentiful. Companies no longer have to deal with the hassle and expense of wiring buildings, and households with several computers can avoid fights over who's online. And now, with 802.11 Wireless The Definitive Guide , 2nd Edition, you can integrate wireless technology into your current infrastructure with the utmost confidence.

Genres: Technology, Computer Science, Technical, Computers, Nonfiction, Software, Science

672 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a first rate book from O'Reilly. Plenty of depth, to the point that there will be little need to buy any other book on the subject. Here you will learn all about the physical layer, the 802.11 protocol, and plenty of information on the alphabet soup that surrounds it.

The guide is readable and logically laid out. It will make a great reference work but can be read through as a single whole too.

[rigelk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though old enough to witness how much the 802.11 evolved since 2002, the book stays incredibly useful. The parts we know changed (802.11i, WEP) are causiously explained as well as the why of their weaknesses. A must-read that age as only improved, and a good introduction to its most recent edition!

[Kam Yung Soh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must-read if you want to dig into the internals of the IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) standard.