BEG 5214: Wireless LANs
Contact Hours: 42
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: BEG 5111 Wireless Communication I
BIT 4201 Mobile Computing
BIT 2119 Computer Networks
Purpose:
The main aim of this course unit is to provide learners with theoretical and hands-on skills in wireless
Local Area Networks; current, and upcoming versions
Expected Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course unit the learner should be able to;
1. simulate and analyze WLAN packet traffic
2. demonstrate an understanding of the WLAN technology and standards that will be coming to
market in the near future
Course Content:
Introduction to 802.11 WLANs; Discuss the standards organizations responsible for shaping the 802.11
Wireless LAN protocol, Examine the 802.11 standard and various amendments, Discuss additional
networking standards that are commonly used to enhance 802.11 WLANs. Current WLAN
technologies, and Future WLAN technologies. Radio Frequency Fundamentals; Physical aspects of RF
propagation, Types of losses and attenuation that affect RF communications , Types of modulation and
coding schemes (MCS) used for 802.11 communications, How channels and bandwidth are related to
each other in wireless networks,
Types of Spread Spectrum used in wireless networking Antennas; Types of antennas and antenna
systems commonly used in 802.11 WLANs, Antenna Polarization and Gain, Antenna implementation
and safety, Types of antenna cables, connectors, and other accessories Wireless LAN Operation; WLAN
Hardware Devices, WLAN Software, Architecture Types and Evolution , Ad Hoc & Infrastructure
Connectivity Operation, AP Modes Bridging & Repeating, Mesh Networking, WLAN Controller
Deployments, WLAN Profiles, Multichannel Architecture (MCA), Single Channel Architecture (SCA),
WLAN Management Systems (WNMS). APs. 802.11 Service Sets; Three types of service sets defined for
use within 802.11 WLANs, 802.11 authentication and association, 802.11 network infrastructure,
Roaming within a WLAN, Load-balancing as a method to improve congestion in WLANs. Basic WLAN
Analysis; Protocol Analysis, 802.11 Frame Types, Data Frames, Control Frames, Management Frames,
Protection Mechanisms. Coordinating 802.11 Frame Transmissions; Differences between CSMA/CD
and CSMA/CA, Distributed Coordination Function (DCF); Network Allocation Vector (NAV); Clear
Channel Assessment (CCA), Interframe Spacing (IFS), Contention Window (CW), Quality of Service in
802.11 WLANs, Point Coordination Function (PCF), Hybrid Coordination Function (HCF). WLAN
Security; The Importance of WLAN Security Security Policy, Legacy WLAN Security Mechanisms,
1
, Modern WLAN Security Mechanisms, Baseline WLAN Security Practices
Teaching Methodology:
2 hour lectures and 1 hour tutorial per week, and at least five 3-hour laboratory sessions per semester
organized on a rotational basis.
Instructional Materials/Equipment:
1. Computer Lab
2. Overhead projector
Course Assessment:
Examination - 70%; Continuous Assessment Test (CATS) - 10%; Assignments - 5%; Labs – 15%; Total -
100%
Core Text Books:
1. “Next Generation Wireless LANs: 802.11n and 802.11ac” by Eldad Perahia and Robert Stacey,
Second Edition, Cambridge University Press, 2013, ISBN: 978-1-107-01676-7
2. Rappaport,Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice,2nd ed., Prentice-Hall
3. Stallings, Wireless Communications & Networks, 2nd edition
Recommended Text book(s) for further reading:
1. Gast, 802.11 Wireless Networks: The Definitive Guide,O'Reilly, 2002
2. O'Hara and Petrick, The IEEE 802.11 Handbook: A Designer's Companion, IEEE
Instructor: Eng. Fredrick M. Mulei
Contacts: 0722 785 035,
2
, Topic1: Introduction to 802.11 Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs)
Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) based on the IEEE 802.11 standards have become integral to
modern connectivity, enabling wireless communication within limited geographic areas such as homes,
offices, and public spaces. The 802.11 family of standards defines the protocols and technologies that
facilitate wireless networking, ensuring interoperability, security, and performance.
Key Features of 802.11 WLANs
Wireless Communication: Eliminates the need for physical cables, offering mobility and flexibility.
Scalability: Supports various network sizes, from small home networks to large enterprise
deployments.
Security: Implements mechanisms like WPA3 for secure data transmission. WPA3 (Wi-Fi
Protected Access 3) is the latest security protocol developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance to secure
wireless networks. Introduced in 2018, WPA3 builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, WPA2,
while addressing its vulnerabilities and incorporating new features to enhance wireless security
in an increasingly connected world.
Quality of Service (QoS): Ensures reliable performance for diverse applications, including
streaming and VoIP.
Standards Organizations Responsible for Shaping the 802.11 Wireless LAN Protocol
Several organizations collaborate to develop, maintain, and promote the 802.11 standards. The primary
ones include:
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Role: The IEEE is the primary body responsible for developing the 802.11 standards through its
802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee (IEEE 802).
Process: Utilizes a consensus-driven approach involving working groups, committees, and public
reviews to draft and approve standards.
Wi-Fi Alliance
Role: A global non-profit organization that promotes Wi-Fi technology and certifies products for
interoperability.
Contributions: Develops Wi-Fi certifications, ensures compliance with IEEE 802.11 standards, and
drives advancements like Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC)
Role: Collaborate to ensure global standardization and interoperability of wireless technologies,
complementing IEEE 802.11 efforts.
Other Stakeholders
3
Contact Hours: 42
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: BEG 5111 Wireless Communication I
BIT 4201 Mobile Computing
BIT 2119 Computer Networks
Purpose:
The main aim of this course unit is to provide learners with theoretical and hands-on skills in wireless
Local Area Networks; current, and upcoming versions
Expected Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course unit the learner should be able to;
1. simulate and analyze WLAN packet traffic
2. demonstrate an understanding of the WLAN technology and standards that will be coming to
market in the near future
Course Content:
Introduction to 802.11 WLANs; Discuss the standards organizations responsible for shaping the 802.11
Wireless LAN protocol, Examine the 802.11 standard and various amendments, Discuss additional
networking standards that are commonly used to enhance 802.11 WLANs. Current WLAN
technologies, and Future WLAN technologies. Radio Frequency Fundamentals; Physical aspects of RF
propagation, Types of losses and attenuation that affect RF communications , Types of modulation and
coding schemes (MCS) used for 802.11 communications, How channels and bandwidth are related to
each other in wireless networks,
Types of Spread Spectrum used in wireless networking Antennas; Types of antennas and antenna
systems commonly used in 802.11 WLANs, Antenna Polarization and Gain, Antenna implementation
and safety, Types of antenna cables, connectors, and other accessories Wireless LAN Operation; WLAN
Hardware Devices, WLAN Software, Architecture Types and Evolution , Ad Hoc & Infrastructure
Connectivity Operation, AP Modes Bridging & Repeating, Mesh Networking, WLAN Controller
Deployments, WLAN Profiles, Multichannel Architecture (MCA), Single Channel Architecture (SCA),
WLAN Management Systems (WNMS). APs. 802.11 Service Sets; Three types of service sets defined for
use within 802.11 WLANs, 802.11 authentication and association, 802.11 network infrastructure,
Roaming within a WLAN, Load-balancing as a method to improve congestion in WLANs. Basic WLAN
Analysis; Protocol Analysis, 802.11 Frame Types, Data Frames, Control Frames, Management Frames,
Protection Mechanisms. Coordinating 802.11 Frame Transmissions; Differences between CSMA/CD
and CSMA/CA, Distributed Coordination Function (DCF); Network Allocation Vector (NAV); Clear
Channel Assessment (CCA), Interframe Spacing (IFS), Contention Window (CW), Quality of Service in
802.11 WLANs, Point Coordination Function (PCF), Hybrid Coordination Function (HCF). WLAN
Security; The Importance of WLAN Security Security Policy, Legacy WLAN Security Mechanisms,
1
, Modern WLAN Security Mechanisms, Baseline WLAN Security Practices
Teaching Methodology:
2 hour lectures and 1 hour tutorial per week, and at least five 3-hour laboratory sessions per semester
organized on a rotational basis.
Instructional Materials/Equipment:
1. Computer Lab
2. Overhead projector
Course Assessment:
Examination - 70%; Continuous Assessment Test (CATS) - 10%; Assignments - 5%; Labs – 15%; Total -
100%
Core Text Books:
1. “Next Generation Wireless LANs: 802.11n and 802.11ac” by Eldad Perahia and Robert Stacey,
Second Edition, Cambridge University Press, 2013, ISBN: 978-1-107-01676-7
2. Rappaport,Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice,2nd ed., Prentice-Hall
3. Stallings, Wireless Communications & Networks, 2nd edition
Recommended Text book(s) for further reading:
1. Gast, 802.11 Wireless Networks: The Definitive Guide,O'Reilly, 2002
2. O'Hara and Petrick, The IEEE 802.11 Handbook: A Designer's Companion, IEEE
Instructor: Eng. Fredrick M. Mulei
Contacts: 0722 785 035,
2
, Topic1: Introduction to 802.11 Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs)
Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) based on the IEEE 802.11 standards have become integral to
modern connectivity, enabling wireless communication within limited geographic areas such as homes,
offices, and public spaces. The 802.11 family of standards defines the protocols and technologies that
facilitate wireless networking, ensuring interoperability, security, and performance.
Key Features of 802.11 WLANs
Wireless Communication: Eliminates the need for physical cables, offering mobility and flexibility.
Scalability: Supports various network sizes, from small home networks to large enterprise
deployments.
Security: Implements mechanisms like WPA3 for secure data transmission. WPA3 (Wi-Fi
Protected Access 3) is the latest security protocol developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance to secure
wireless networks. Introduced in 2018, WPA3 builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, WPA2,
while addressing its vulnerabilities and incorporating new features to enhance wireless security
in an increasingly connected world.
Quality of Service (QoS): Ensures reliable performance for diverse applications, including
streaming and VoIP.
Standards Organizations Responsible for Shaping the 802.11 Wireless LAN Protocol
Several organizations collaborate to develop, maintain, and promote the 802.11 standards. The primary
ones include:
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Role: The IEEE is the primary body responsible for developing the 802.11 standards through its
802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee (IEEE 802).
Process: Utilizes a consensus-driven approach involving working groups, committees, and public
reviews to draft and approve standards.
Wi-Fi Alliance
Role: A global non-profit organization that promotes Wi-Fi technology and certifies products for
interoperability.
Contributions: Develops Wi-Fi certifications, ensures compliance with IEEE 802.11 standards, and
drives advancements like Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC)
Role: Collaborate to ensure global standardization and interoperability of wireless technologies,
complementing IEEE 802.11 efforts.
Other Stakeholders
3
