Implementing 802.11 with Microcontrollers: Wireless Networking for Embedded Systems Designers

Provides step-by-step instructions, plus all the necessary software, for implementing low-cost wireless capability in thousands of electronic devices, from laptops to retinal scanners!

Fred Eady (Author)

9780750678650

Paperback, published 18 October 2005

400 pages
23.4 x 19 x 2.5 cm, 0.84 kg

“The world needs this book!? --Lewin Edwards, embedded engineer and author

Wireless networking is poised to have a massive impact on communications, and the 802.11 standard is to wireless networking what Ethernet is to wired networking. There are already over 50 million devices using the dominant IEEE 802.11 (essentially wireless Ethernet) standard, with astronomical growth predicted over the next 10 years. New applications are emerging every day, with wireless capability being embedded in everything from electric meters to hospital patient tracking systems to security devices.

This practical reference guides readers through the wireless technology forest, giving them the knowledge, the hardware and the software necessary to design a wireless embedded device rapidly, inexpensively, and effectively. Using off-the-shelf microcontrollers from Microchip and Atmel, the author provides step-by-step instructions for designing the hardware and firmware for a fully operational wireless networking device. The book gives a thorough introduction to 802.11 technology and puts it into perspective against the other wireless standard options. Just enough theory and mathematics is provided to give the depth of understanding needed for practical design work.

The book thoroughly covers:
* Laptop wireless Ethernet card introduction and theory
*Introduction to CompactFlash-to-microcontroller interfacing
* Implementing the laptop wireless Ethernet card in an embedded environment

Preface
Conventions
Chapter 1: Why Are We Doing This?
Chapter 2: The AirDrop-P
Chapter 3: The AirDrop-A
Chapter 4: 802.11b CompactFlash Network Interface Cards
Chapter 5: Talking With 802.11b CompactFlash NICs
Chapter 6: Touring the Card Information Structure
Chapter 7: Learning to Talk to 802.11b CompactFlash NICs
Chapter 8: Setting Up An AirDrop Wireless Network
Chapter 9: AirDrop Driver Basics
Chapter 10: Putting an AirDrop on a Wireless LAN
Chapter 11: Processing 802.11b Frames with the AirDrop
Chapter 12: PINGING the AirDrop
Chapter 13: Flying Cargo with UDP and the AirDrop
Chapter 14: Flying Cargo with TCP/IP and the AirDrop
Chapter 15: WEP and the AirDrop
Chapter 16: An Experimental AVR AirDrop Variant
Chapter 17: A New Kid in Town Who Calls Himself ZigBee
Chapter 18: Parting Frames

Subject Areas: Computer networking & communications [UT], WAP [wireless technology TJKW], Communications engineering / telecommunications [TJK], Microprocessors [TJFD1]