Although wireless communications are nothing new, Norman Abramson, as a professor at the University of Hawaii, led the development of what is acknowledged as the first computer network using wireless communications, in 1970. Known as ALOHAnet, it enabled wireless communication between a small set of islands and pioneered today's wireless networks, as well as lending concepts to Ethernet development. More information can be found at the ALOHAnet page at Wikipedia.

Wireless LANs under the IEEE 802.11 specifications did not become widely used until the introduction of the 802.11b standard in 1999. With more available devices, higher data rates and cheaper hardware, wireless access has now become widespread. The IEEE recently ratified 802.11n. This amendment addresses several performance and security issues and is covered later in this guide.