Wireless Local Area Networks∗ Since the introduction of lightweight portable computers (laptops, notebooks), a great deal of attention has been focused on the development of wireless computer networks (Wireless Local Area Network, WLAN). Thanks to standardization in the field of local area networks, it is comparatively easy to find systems that will still be upgradable even in a few years’ time. Around 70 % of all computers connected to networks are compliant with the IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) and IEE