Abstract

Secure Roaming in 802.11 Networks offers a comprehensive treatise on Wi-Fi 802.11 roaming by comparing/contrasting it to cellular roaming theory and techniques. The book explores the fundamental concepts, basic theory, and key principles of 802.11 networks with roaming capabilities. It helps ensure secure and constant connectivity of laptops, PDAs and other emerging mobile devices.

Today, we increasingly expect to find public Wide Local Area Network (WLAN) 802.11 access in our airports, public spaces, and hotels, and we want to maintain our connections when we’re mobile and using 802.11 WLANs. However, 802.11 was not originally designed with roaming capabilities and can’t, in its "pure" form, support seamless roaming between different hotspots and other 802.11 access points. This book details the theory behind various 802.11 extensions to permit roaming and describes how these extensions can be successfully implemented in 802.11 WLANs. It reviews coverage of user authentication in 802.11, as well as roaming between 802.11 and other wireless technologies. It also discusses wireless technologies and application programming interfaces.

This book will appeal to RF/wireless engineers and designers, computer/data network engineers, and graduate students.