Overview

Most every communications gadget that you see in science fiction flicks is wireless and capable of radiating a combined video, audio, and complex sensor-based data signal across endless parsecs of distant galaxies by means of some futuristic high-tech communications method designed by a drunkard scientist marooned on a mining planet in the 24 ^th century. In reality, we're not too far removed from what in the past was once deemed as science fiction. We don't yet have access to inebriated scientists on remote mining planets. However, in today's world you talk on the phone, control your television and stereo, start your car, and send email without the need for a physical wired connection. Your laptop computer most likely incorporates a wireless 802.11a/b/g LAN setup and Wi-Fi "hotspots" are popping up all over the place. If you're "important," you most likely use a wireless PDA on a daily basis. Speaking of wireless PDAs, I know of a local high-class restaurant where the servers use wireless 802.11b-enabled handheld computers to enter and retrieve their customer's dinner and drink orders.

So, with all of the wireless technology in our everyday lives, why am I writing this book and why are you sitting (or standing) there reading it? Simple I'm here to explain how to make embedded microcontroller-based 802.11b wireless hardware and firmware work in plain terms and you're a student, an engineer, a sober earthling scientist or just a gadget- building geek that is interested in taking embedded wireless technology...