High-Performance Radio Local Area Network (HIPERLAN)

Definition - What does High-Performance Radio Local Area Network (HIPERLAN) mean?

High performance local area network (HIPERLAN) is an alternative wireless LAN standard to the IEEE 802.11. It is one of four standards specified by the European telecommunications standards institute (ETSI) to provide a concatenated service of interoperable technologies from different locations. HIPERLAN uses cellular-based data networks to connect to an ATM backbone.

The main idea behind HIPERLAN is to provide an infrastructure or ad-hoc wireless with low mobility and a small radius. HIPERLAN supports isochronous traffic with low latency.

Techopedia explains High-Performance Radio Local Area Network (HIPERLAN)

HIPERLAN emerged in 1991 with the goal of achieving higher data rates than the 802.11 standard. It was approved in 1996. A second version was introduceced in 2000. This version is designed as a fast wireless connection and can be used with various networks, such as UMTS backbone, ATM, and IP networks. HiperLAN/2 can also be used as a home network and supports a data rate of up to 54 Mbps.

Components of HIPERLAN include:
  • Physical Layer: This layer provides the standard functions, including radio frequency functions.
  • Link Adaptation: This standard allows the access point to convey information in an uplink or downlink direction. The HIPERLAN physical layer also specifies some link adaptation algorithms to be used.
  • Data Link Control (DLC) Layer: This layer includes the Media Acces Control (MAC), Radio Link Control (RLC), Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) and Error Control (EC) protocols.
  • Convergence Layer: Its basic function is to provide the HIPERLAN DLC and physical access to other data networks.

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