Hello, I'm an expert in the field of network standards and protocols. I'd be happy to provide you with a detailed explanation of the 802 standards.

The 802 standards are a set of specifications developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) that focus on local area networks (LANs) and metropolitan area networks (MANs). These standards are essential for the interoperability and functionality of network devices within these types of networks.

One of the key aspects of the 802 standards is that they are designed to handle networks that transmit variable-size packets. This is in contrast to cell relay networks, where data is sent in short, uniformly sized units known as cells. The flexibility of the 802 standards to accommodate variable packet sizes allows for a wide range of applications and services to be supported over LANs and MANs.

The 802 standards encompass a variety of different protocols and technologies. Some of the most well-known include:


1. IEEE 802.1 - This standard focuses on the higher-level protocols within LANs, such as bridging, virtual LANs (VLANs), and network management.


2. IEEE 802.2 - This standard defines the logical link control (LLC) layer of the data link layer in LANs.


3. IEEE 802.3 - One of the most widely recognized standards, IEEE 802.3, is responsible for the specification of wired LANs, including Ethernet. It covers everything from the physical layer to the media access control (MAC) layer.


4. IEEE 802.5 - This standard is for token ring networks, which were once popular but have since been largely replaced by Ethernet.


5. IEEE 802.11 - Commonly known as Wi-Fi, this standard defines wireless LANs and has become ubiquitous for wireless connectivity in homes, offices, and public spaces.


6. IEEE 802.16 - Also known as WiMAX, this standard is for broadband wireless access (BWA) and is used for providing wireless connectivity over larger geographical areas.

7.
IEEE 802.20 - This standard was intended for mobile broadband wireless access (MBWA), but it has been withdrawn and is no longer in development.

8.
IEEE 802.21 - This standard provides a media-independent handover protocol that allows for seamless transitions between different types of networks.

The development of the 802 standards is carried out by the IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee, which is a group of volunteers from around the world who work together to create and maintain these specifications. The process involves extensive research, testing, and collaboration to ensure that the standards are robust, reliable, and meet the needs of the industry.

It's important to note that the 802 standards are not static; they are continually evolving to keep pace with technological advancements and the changing requirements of network users. This means that new versions of the standards are released periodically to incorporate improvements and new features.

In summary, the 802 standards play a critical role in the design and operation of LANs and MANs. They provide a framework for the development of network technologies that are interoperable, efficient, and capable of supporting a wide range of applications and services.

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IEEE 802 is a family of IEEE standards dealing with local area networks and metropolitan area networks. More specifically, the IEEE 802 standards are restricted to networks carrying variable-size packets. By contrast, in cell relay networks data is transmitted in short, uniformly sized units called cells.read more >>