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Wireless LAN
Standards and Organizations
(1 September, 2006)
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Define what regulations the FCC creates
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Explain what the ISM and UNII bands are and
how they are used
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Define the different 802.11 standards and
drafts as set forth by the IEEE
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Describe the competing technologies for
wireless LANs
Objectives
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
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FCC Regulations
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The FCC manages civilian, State and local
government usage of the radio spectrum.
✔
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47 (CFR 47) Part 15.
http://www.accesss.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html
✔
The FCC has authority to enforce the use of the radio

☛
Cards are expensive – about $800
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Largely abandoned
✔
2.4 GHz ISM Band
☛
Used by 802.11, 802.11b/g
☛
2.400-2.4835 GHz
☛
2.400 +-5MHz
☛
Only 2.400-2.4835 are used
☛
Microwave ovens and baby monitors
✔
5.8 GHz ISM Band
☛
Used by 802.11a
☛
5.725 – 5.875
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150 MHz bandwidth
☛
Not to be confused with Band 3 of the UNII
±

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5.725 - 5.825 GHz
☛
Maximum output power: FCC = 1000 mW, IEEE= 800 mW
☛
Reserved for outdoor operation only
☛
Four non-overlapping channels separated by 20 MHz
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ISM and UNII Spectra
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Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (UNII)
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Lower Band
Middle Band
Upper Band
Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure
(UNII)
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Radiated Power Limits
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The FCC enforces rules regarding power radiated by antenna
elements.
✔
Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) is the
actual power radiated by the antenna which also takes into
account the gain of the antenna.

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The 5.8 GHz UNII band PtMP power rules are as follows:
✔
The maximum power of the IR in the UNII-1 Band is 40 mW
which means the maximum EIRP must be 160mW assuming an
antenna gain of 6
✔
The maximum power of the IR in the UNII-2 Band is 200 mW
which means the maximum EIRP must be 800 mW assuming an
antenna gain of 6.
✔
The maximum power of the IR in the UNII-3 Band is 800 mW
which means the maximum EIRP must be 3200 mW assuming an
antenna gain of 6.
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The 1:1 rule (similar to the 2.4 GHz band) applies to the 5.8
GHz band in that for each 1 dB of antenna gain the intentional
Radiator must be reduced by 1 dB.