Discuss the future of wireless LANs.

The future of wireless LANs involves several key developments:

• Increased Throughput and Capacity: Wireless LANs will support higher data rates and greater device density, driven by demands for applications like 8K video streaming and large file transfers. This relies on wider channel bandwidths and more efficient modulation schemes.

• Reduced Latency: Future wireless LANs will prioritize minimizing transmission delays. This is critical for real-time applications such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and precision industrial automation systems.

• Enhanced Security: Continuous advancements in security protocols are essential for protecting data integrity and user privacy. Future wireless LANs will integrate stronger encryption algorithms and more robust authentication methods to counter evolving cyber threats. For instance, modern WPA3 standards build upon previous security frameworks (Kizza JM, Guide to Computer Network Security).

• Expanded Spectrum Utilization: Wireless LANs will increasingly utilize new frequency bands, including 6 GHz and millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies. This provides additional spectrum to meet growing bandwidth demands, although signal propagation characteristics at these frequencies require specific design considerations.

• Seamless Integration and Interoperability: Wireless LANs will integrate more closely with other communication technologies, such as 5G, and will continue to be a foundational layer for the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling reliable local connectivity for a diverse range of smart devices.