resource center
  See your link here
|
Computerworld -
Part of the problem with managing wireless LANs is the lack of standards in this area. To address this shortfall, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Inc. in New York established a committee to develop a new standard, 802.11k -- Radio Resource Management. The standard focuses on the two key WLAN elements: access points (AP) and PC Cards.
According to a committee paper laying out the vision and the architecture, the goal of 802.11k is to make measurements from Layers 1 and 2 of the OSI protocol stack -- the physical and data link layers -- available to the upper layers.
"This means that it is expected that the upper layers can and will make decisions about the radio environment and what can be accomplished in that environment," the paper states.
One feature 802.11k will enable is better traffic distribution. Normally, a wireless device will connect to whatever AP gives it the strongest signal. This can lead to overload on some APs and underload on others, resulting in lowered overall service levels.
The 802.11k standard will allow network management software to detect this situation and redirect some of the users to underutilized APs. Although those APs have weaker signals, they are able to provide greater throughput. This will produce higher speeds for both those on the original AP and the redirected users.
But don't hold your breath waiting for it. According to Gartner analyst Ken Dulaney, the standard won't be finalized for several years.
"They are trying to standardize measurement so we can have more third-party products measure more access points," he says, "but everything is proprietary currently."
Forrester Consulting - Optimizing Users and Applications in a Mobile World
Learn how to successfully deploy a WAN optimization solution that is specifically tuned for a mobile environment!
Managing Laptops Outside the Office
Learn how you can reduce costs by tracking mobile computers no matter where they are located.
WAN Application Delivery for Executives
Learn how to simplify server and application administration without creating performance problems for distributed users.
4G Ahead Video Program
Uncover the features and benefits of the two leading 4G technologies for enterprises considering future deployment.
Applying Remote Support Technology for Maximum Impact
Download Now!
Complimentary Webcast: Taking a Strategic Approach to Enterprise Mobility
Download This Webcast Today!
Measuring the Business Impact of Support
This ServiceXRG White Paper explores the importance of quantifying the impact of support on your business.
Lower the Cost and Complexity of a Mobile Workforce through Automation
Download This Resource Now!
Drive Down Enterprise Mobility Costs
Learn to empower your mobile workforce while simplifying mobility management and controlling costs.
Managing Mobility: Improve Data Security, Compliance and Manageability
Download This Resource Now!
Sign up to receive updates on the latest Mobile and Wireless resources
CIO
Computerworld
CSO
DEMO
GamePro
Games.net
IDC
IDG
IDG Connect
IDG Knowledge Hub
IDG TechNetwork
IDG Ventures
IDG.net
InfoWorld
ITwhitepapers
ITworld
JavaWorld
LinuxWorld
Macworld
Network World
PC World
The Industry Standard
Copyright © 1994 - 2009 Computerworld Inc. All
rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium
without express written permission ofComputerworld Inc. is prohibited. Computerworld and Computerworld.com and the respective logos are trademarks of International Data Group Inc. |
