HIPERLAN: the high performance radio local area network standard

The high performance radio local area network (HIPERLAN) standard is currently being developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). As well as providing a wired LAN substitute, with a target bit rate of 20 Mbit/s, the standard will provide for the creation of ad hoc networks, communication with mobile users, and access to interactive multimedia services. Radio spectrum has been recommended for HIPERLAN in the 5 GHz and 17 GHz bands. The constraints imposed by the nature of the microwave radio channel along with some of the main challenges in the design of the radio interface are described