Evaluation of wireless local area networks

• Main Author: McBee, Charles L.
• Other Authors: Suh, Myung W.
• Language: en_US
• Published: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School 2014
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/39977

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. === This thesis is an in-depth evaluation of the current wireless Local Area Network (LAN) technologies. Wireless LANs consist of three technologies; they are infrared light, microwave, and spread spectrum. When the first wireless LANs were introduced, they were unfavorably labeled slow, expensive, and unreliable. The wireless LANs of today are competitively priced, more secure, easier to install, and provide equal to or greater than the data throughput of unshielded twisted pair cable. Wireless LANs are best suited for organizations that move office staff frequently, buildings that have historical significance, or buildings that have asbestos. Additionally, an organizations may realize a cost savings of between $300 to $1,200 each time a node is moved. Current wireless LAN technologies have a positive effect on LAN standards being developed by the Defense Information System Agency (DISA). DoD as a whole is beginning to focus on wireless LANs and mobile communications. If system managers want to remain successful, they need to stay abreast of this technology.