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HIPERLAN (High Performance Radio Local Area Network) is a standard for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) defined by the European Telecommunications Standard Institute (ETSI). In April 1997 ETS HIPERLAN was merged into ETS BRAN (Broadband Radio Access Networks).
In Europe, CEPT has allocated two frequency bands for HIPERLAN, one band between 5.15 and 5.30 GHz and one band between 17.1 and 17.3 GHz. In the US, in January, 1997 the FCC made available 300 MHz of spectrum for Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) products, the first sub-band of which (5.15 - 5.25 GHz) is strictly allocated for indoor use and is consistent with HIPERLAN. Additionally, the 5725 - 5825 MHz U.S. ISM band is also available for this kind of application.
The original work of ETSI resulted in what is now called HIPERLAN/1, a wireless LAN that is ISO 8802 compatible. This specification is described in Functional Specification EN 300 652. It applies to the 5 GHz spectrum, and can work at data rates up to 24 Mbps. It is intended to allow high performance wireless networks to be created, without existing wired infrastructure. In addition it can be used as an extension of a wired LAN.
ETSI is currently developing standards for three other types of Broadband Radio Access Networks:
- HIPERLAN/2 - This short range variant is intended for complementary access mechanism for UMTS systems as well as for private use as a wireless LAN type system. It will offer high speed access (25 Mbit/s typical data rate) to a variety of networks including the UMTS core networks, ATM networks and IP based networks. Spectrum has been allocated for HIPERLANs in the 5 GHz range and the Project is working with CEPT to expand this allocation to enable licensed as well as license exempt use.
- HIPERACCES – This long range variant is intended for point-to-multipoint, high speed access by residential and small business users to a wide variety of networks including the UMTS core networks, ATM networks and IP based networks (HIPERLAN/2 might be used for distribution within premises). Spectrum allocations are being discussed in CEPT FM29 and CITEL. The HIPERACCESS promises to be the only purpose designed radio broadband multimedia and data delivery system on the market.
- HIPERLINK – This variant provides short range very high speed interconnection of HIPERLANs and HIPERACCESS, e.g. up to 155 Mbit/s over distances up to 150 m. Spectrum for HIPERLINK is available in the 17 GHz range.
Completion of the stable draft Functional Specifications for is expected in the third quarter of 1999 for HIPERLAN/2 and the first quarter of 2000 for HIPERACCESS.
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