A high-performance local area network (HIPERLAN) is an alternative wireless LAN standard to the IEEE 802.11. It is one of four standards (HIPERLAN 1 through 4) specified by the European telecommunications standards institute (ETSI) to link interoperable technologies from different locations instead of cable. 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 system with a small radius.
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 a 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.
