Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
What is IEEE?
3.
History of IEEE
4.
What Does IEEE Do?
5.
IEEE and Computer Networks
6.
IEEE Standards: 802
7.
IEEE Standards in Computer Networks
8.
Why are IEEE Standards in Computer Networks Important?
9.
Advantages of IEEE 802.11
10.
Disadvantages of IEEE 802.11
11.
Frequently Asked Questions 
11.1.
What are the different types of networks?
11.2.
What is the meaning of nodes and links?
11.3.
What are the different types of network topology?
12.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024

IEEE Standards in Computer Networks

Author Nitika
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Introduction

For many years, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers or IEEE has been the front face of technological innovation and wealth. The IEEE is the world's largest professional society, with over 420,000 members in more than 160 countries.

 In this article, we will explore more about IEEE and the IEEE standards in Computer Networks in detail.

We will learn how IEEE plays an essential role in shaping today's reality.

IEEE Standards in Computer Networks

What is IEEE?

Before moving forward with the IEEE standards in computer networks, let's dive into the world of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers or IEEE. 

IEEE is the largest technical professional organisation or society aiming at technical excellence. Based in New York, IEEE has its main focus on the following disciplines-

  • Computer Science 
     
  • Electrical Engineering 
     
  • Electronics Communication Engineering
     
  • Information Technology

IEEE's main motive is to set industry standards and assist students and working professionals in these fields. The IEEE also hosts conferences and meetings. It also serves as a publishing platform for researchers.

Also see,  Personal Area Network

History of IEEE

IEEE was formed when two institutes joined forces. In 1963, AIEE and IRE joined to form the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. In New York, when a group of electrical engineers met in the spring of 1884 and started IEEE to support and aid students and working professionals in their technical journey. Through conducting meetings and application for standards, the AIEE spread the electrical engineering profession, and more and more members started to apply.

Membership in both Initially, IEEE had around 150 thousand members, but it grew to be a much bigger family with almost 400 thousand members to date and is spread across 150 countries.

What Does IEEE Do?

IEEE primarily designs services and develops the standards that govern them. It imparts, publishes and encourages industry knowledge via publications, conferences and collaborating with academic institutes across the globe.

IEEE presently includes 39 technical societies and councils that have grown to include everything from aerospace to robotics and automation.

In addition to IEEE standards in computer networks, it also sponsors awards to honour research and related educational achievements. The IEEE Medal of Honor is considered to be the highest and most significant award in the electrical engineering discipline.

IEEE is devoted to growing the theory and application of electronics, electrical and computing.

IEEE and Computer Networks

Computer Networks are referred to as a system of linked computing and other such devices that can communicate with each other and exchange information along with resources. Putting it into a homogenised fashion, IEEE standards in computer networks were published, with the family of IEEE 802 being the most notable one. The IEEE 802 is a standard for Local Area Networks(LANs) and Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). We will learn about the family of 802 IEEE standards in computer networks in the upcoming sections. 

The IEEE Standards in computer networks assure communication and transmission among various devices and gadgets. In addition to that, it also ensures that the Internet and its technologies adhere to their set of rules so that networking and communication take place efficiently and appropriately.

IEEE Standards: 802

IEEE 802 is a family of standards for LAN (local area networks), PAN (personal area network), and MAN (metropolitan area networks). These networking standards were established somewhere in the 1980s with one main goal: to ensure inter-operating networking technology. Hence, global connectivity thoroughly expanded and was at its peak.
 

The protocols defined in the 802 IEEE standard in computer networks map to the two of the seven-layer Open Systems Interconnection model. The two layers are the data link and physical Layers, respectively. It further divides the  Open Systems Interconnection data into LLC (logical link control) and MAC (medium access control).

IEEE Standards in Computer Networks

Let us have a look at some IEEE standards in computer networks and what they are used for:

IEEE STANDARDS

 IN COMPUTER NETWORKS

USAGE

IEEE 802

Overview and architecture of LAN/MAN.

IEEE 802.1

Bridging and management of LAN/MAN.

IEEE 802.1s

Multiple spanning trees.

IEEE 802.1 w

Rapid reconfiguration of spanning trees.

IEEE 802.1x

Network access control of ports.

IEEE 802.2

Logical Link Control (LLC).

IEEE 802.3

Ethernet (CSMA/CD access method).

IEEE 802.3ae

10 Gigabit Ethernet.

IEEE 802.4

Token passing bus access methods and physical layer specifications.

IEEE 802.5

Token ring access methods and physical layer specifications.

IEEE 802.6

Queue Dual Bus (DQDB) access method and physical layer specifications (MAN).

IEEE 802.7

Broadband LAN.

IEEE 802.8

Fibre optics.

IEEE 802.9

Isochronous LANs.

IEEE 802.10

Interoperable LAN/MAN security.

IEEE 802.11

LAN, MAC, and Physical layer specifications.

IEEE 802.12

Demand-priority access method, in the physical layer,

IEEE 802.13

-Not Used-

IEEE 802.14

-Not Used-

IEEE 802.15

Wireless Personal Area Network

IEEE 802.16

Wireless Metropolitan Area Network

IEEE 802.17

RPR access (Resilient Packet Ring).

Why are IEEE Standards in Computer Networks Important?

Various companies manufacture computer hardware across the globe. But these companies only provide network hardware which can only connect to specific devices. Let us look at how IEEE Standards in Computer Networks play a crucial role in overcoming problems like these.

  • These standards ensure the interoperability of devices from different companies and manufacturers. They follow a common set of protocols.
     
  • The 802 sets guidelines for securing networks against unauthorised access and other forms of cyber threats.
     
  • The 802 standards are designed in such a way that they support all networks and network complexities.

Advantages of IEEE 802.11

  • IEEE is a non-profit organisation working for the betterment of working professionals and students in the technical fields.
     
  • IEEE is responsible for supporting the manual fixing of the transmission module.
     
  • In IEEE, the Communication of data or information is at a more rapid rate than the transportation speed.
     
  • Due to the multi-path propagation, the chances of potential risks are reduced.
     
  • The IEEE 802.11 has decreased wiring expenses.
     
  • The IEEE 802.11 has a higher frequency range and efficient coding techniques.

Disadvantages of IEEE 802.11

  • IEEE may have unauthorised user access.
     
  • Network Security may be at risk
     
  • In IEEE, periodic maintenance is necessary.
     
  • IEEE may have traffic disruptions.
     
  • Any Wi-Fi devices in the area could grasp data sent over radio waves.
     
  • The IEEE sessions can be hijacked.
     

Must Read Subnetting in Computer Networks and What are payloads

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the different types of networks?

The various types of Networks are - PAN (Pan Personal Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network) and GAN (Global Area Network). All of these networks let devices connect and communicate across a specific range.

What is the meaning of nodes and links?

A node is a communicating device of a network. It is a point of intersection between a network that sends and receives data along with information. Computers, laptops, printers etc., are some examples of Nodes.

A link is the connectivity between two nodes. It contains the protocols used for either of the poles to communicate.

What are the different types of network topology?

There are six network topology types: Bus Topology, Ring Topology, Tree Topology, Star Topology, Mesh Topology, and Hybrid Topology. The network topology defines a network's structure of how all components are connected. The main aspects to consider when selecting a network topology are the length of cable, type, cost, and scalability.

Conclusion

In this article, we learnt all about IEEE and IEEE standards in computer networks along with their history, usage, advantages and disadvantages.

Recommended reading: 


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