Implementing 802.11 with Microcontrollers: Wireless Networking for Embedded Systems Designers

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- Covers the hottest new embedded market area- wireless networking
- Shows designers how to save money and time by using microcontrollers in their embedded wireless designs instead of expensive, complex prefab boards

As an engineering consultant, Fred Eady has implemented communications networks for the space program and designed hardware and firmware for the medical, retail and public utility industries. He currently writes a monthly embedded design column for a popular electronics enthusiast magazine. Fred also composes monthly articles for a popular robotics magazine. Fred has been dabbling in electronics for over 30 years. His embedded design expertise spans the spectrum and includes Intel's 8748 and 8051 microcontrollers, the entire Microchip PIC microcontroller family and the Atmel AVR microcontrollers. Fred recently retired from his consulting work and is focused on writing magazine columns and embedded design books.

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