Wi-Fi applications have blossomed tremendously over the last few years. What started out as cable replacement for static desktops in indoor networks has been extended to fully mobile broadband applications involving wide-area outdoor community networks, moving vehicles, high-speed trains, and even airplanes. Wi-Fi data rates have also continued to increase from 2 to 54 Mbit/s with current 802.11n proposals topping 500 Mbit/s. This development may eventually render wired Ethernet redundant in the local network.

This tutorial provides a concise discussion on current and emerging wireless LAN technologies, emphasizing key concepts and underlying principles rather than factual carefully prepared illustrations are used throughout the tutorial to enhance the textual explanations. By distilling details down to the basic issues needed for intuitive understanding, both serious and novice tutorial participants are able to gain valuable insights into the exciting field of high-speed wireless communications and mobile computing. To encourage tutorial participants to fully explore the topics covered, useful Internet resources and references have been included.