End-to-End QoS Network Design

Chapter 11. WLAN QoS Tools

This chapter discusses wireless LAN QoS tools, including the following:

• IEEE 802.11 Distributed Coordination Function (DCF)

• IEEE 802.11 Enhanced Distributed Coordination Function (EDCF)

• IEEE 802.11 QoS basic service set (QBSS)

• IEEE 802.1D classes of service

In the past, WLANs mainly were used to transport low-bandwidth data-application traffic. Today, with the expansion of WLANs into enterprises, small businesses, mobile “hotspots,” and home environments, WLANs are used to transport high-bandwidth data applications in conjunction with time-sensitive multimedia applications. These evolving requirements have led to the necessity for wireless QoS tools.

However, unique challenges are presented with the use of radio waves as a ...