802.11 (A-J)

The IEEE 802.11 standard defines a system for extending Ethernet networking through wireless means. IEEE 802.11 compliant devices can act as access points providing associated wireless devices in a wireless local area network access to the wired (or other wireless) networks. IEEE 802.11 compliant devices also can act as individual adapters to provide associated hardware with a wireless connection to another device (peer to peer) or through an access point to a remote wired or wireless network.

Using IEEE 802.11 technology, a wide range of consumer and industrial devices can be networked easily and in many applications where wired networking is not feasible. By providing widespread simple access to broadband networks, IEEE 802.11 technology is one of the key building blocks to the convergence of computing and consumer entertainment as well as the key to extending broadband internet access to more consumers as well as to more types of devices and equipment. Consumer products such as computers, computer peripherals, television set-top boxes, televisions, media players, game consoles, speakers, security systems, video cameras, still cameras, video phones, cell phones, personal digital assistants, radios, and practically any electronic device can be connected to other devices and to the internet using IEEE 802.11 networking. In addition, businesses can use IEEE 802.11 networking to extend industrial automation, network business equipment, extend local area networking in offices, connect remote office buildings, and provide Internet access to guests and customers.

Via Licensing offers this patent licensing program to manufacturers of end user products that implement the IEEE 802.11 standard. The program seeks to make licenses to patents that are essential to the implementation of this technology available to the broadest possible number of manufacturers to encourage growth and development of this important technology and its markets.

Copies of the IEEE 802.11 Standard can be obtained from the IEEE website at www.ieee.org.