Multi-band, multi-radio wireless LANs and PANs

Two trends are reshaping wireless personal area networks (WPANs) and wireless local area networks (WLANs). The first is the convergence of WPAN and WLAN functionality in mobile platforms; a single 802.11 radio will increasingly be used for both functions. The second is the availability of new unlicensed spectrum in the 60 GHz band and 600 MHz TV Whitespace band as well as new technology enhancing use of 5 GHz band. Radios that take advantage of this new spectrum and improved use of existing spectrum are being added to mobile platforms. This paper discusses these trends and looks at network and system architectures that take advantage of multi-band radios to provide increased connectivity and performance.