MRF24WB0MA_13 Datasheet, PDF (26/38 Pages) Microchip Technology – MRF24WB0MA/MRF24WB0MB Data Sheet 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11b™

MRF24WB0MA/MRF24WB0MB
3.8 Wi-Fi^® Alliance
Wi-Fi Alliance Certification focuses on interoperability
testing of devices based on 802.11 standards.
Historically, when the certification process and
programs were developed by Wi-Fi Alliance members,
the vast majority of the 802.11 clients were PC-centric,
and certification testing adequately addressed those
types of devices. In subsequent years, the number of
Wi-Fi devices that are not PC-centric has grown
significantly.
These non-standard devices, as a class of products,
have been dubbed Application Specific Devices
(ASDs) by the Wi-Fi Alliance. ASDs are 802.11
devices, for example clients or access points (APs),
which cannot be tested under a standard Alliance test
plan because they do not comply with the standard test
configuration, and because they are designed to
perform a specific application. For example, bar code
scanners, pagers, recording devices, monitoring
equipment, and cable modems.
The APs or clients that are used to validate ASD
compliance (from the standard test bed) will meet all of
the requirements specified in the applicable System
Interoperability Test Plans (referred to as the “standard
test plan”), unless specifically exempted. The
MRF24WB0MA and MRF24WB0MB modules are in
the ASD category.
The modules are certified under Wi-Fi 802.11 with
WPA2, WPA, and WEP System Interoperability ASD
Model Test Plan with Test Engine For IEEE 802.11a, b,
and g Devices (Version 1.0).
Per the Wi-Fi Alliance approved ASD test plan, the
definition of the Microchip MRF24WB0MA and
MRF24WB0MB modular solutions is expressed in the
following statements:
“Member Wireless solution is a single-chip
802.11b module including MAC, baseband, RF
and power amplifier personal STA. It utilizes a
simple to use API for embedded markets, and an
OS is not a requirement for operation. It supports
1 and 2 Mbps (TX and RX). It also supports WEP,
WPA Personal, and WPA2 Personal security.
Ciphers supported are AES and TKIP. The
Member Wireless solution interfaces with the
HOST through SPI Bus. Some applications for
the Member Wireless solution are as following:
• Sensors/Controls such as Industrial and Factory
sensors, HVAC, and Lighting
• Consumer Electronic such as remote controls,
toys, and internet radio
This certification ensures that the MRF24WB0MA
and MRF24WB0MB modules have passed
rigorous testing for interoperability across existing
consumer and business Wi-Fi equipments, and
their certifications are completed (WFA ID:
WFA7150). The certification effort undertaken will
save customers time and money. For modular
policy, refer to WFA Module Policy (Version 2.2;
MARCH 2006).
DS70632C-page 26
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