A wireless local area network (WLAN) links two or more devices using some wireless distribution method (typically

spread-spectrum or OFDM radio), and usually providing a connection through an access point to the wider internet. This gives users the mobility to move around within a local coverage area and still be connected to the network. Wireless LANs have become popular in the home due to ease of installation, and the increasing popularity of laptop computers.

Architecture
Stations
All components that can connect into a wireless medium in a network are referred to as stations. All stations are equipped with wireless network interface controllers (WNICs). Wireless stations fall into one of two categories: access points, and clients. Access points (APs), normally routers, are base stations for the wireless network. They transmit and receive radio frequencies for wireless enabled devices to communicate with. Wireless clients can be mobile devices such as laptops, personal digital assistants, IP phones and other smartphones, or fixed devices such as desktops and workstations that are equipped with a wireless network interface

Basic service set

The basic service set (BSS) is a set of all stations that can communicate with each other. There are two types of BSS: Independent BSS (also referred to as IBSS), and infrastructure BSS. Every BSS has an identification (ID) called the BSSID, which is the MAC address of the access point servicing the BSS. An independent BSS (IBSS) is an ad-hoc network that contains no access points, which means they can not connect to any other basic service set. An infrastructure can communicate with other stations not in the same basic service set by communicating through access points.

Extended service set

An extended service set (ESS) is a set of connected BSSes. Access points in an ESS are connected by a distribution system. Each ESS has an ID called the SSID which is a 32-byte (maximum) character string.

Distribution system
A distribution system (DS) connects access points in an extended service set. The concept of a DS can be used to increase network coverage through roaming between cells. DS can be wired or wireless. Current wireless distribution systems are mostly based on WDS or MESH protocols, though other systems are in use.
Types of wireless LANs

Peer-to-peer

Peer-to-Peer or ad-hoc wireless LAN An ad-hoc network is a network where stations communicate only peer to peer (P2P). There is no base and no one gives permission to talk. This is accomplished using the Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). A peer-to-peer (P2P) network allows wireless devices to directly communicate with each other. Wireless devices within range of each other can discover and communicate directly without involving central access points. This method is typically used by two computers so that they can connect to each other to form a network. IEEE 802.11 define the physical layer (PHY) and MAC (Media Access Control) layers based on CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance). The 802.11 specification includes provisions designed to minimize collisions, because two mobile units may both be in range of a common access point, but out of range of each other. The 802.11 has two basic modes of operation: Ad hoc mode enables peer-to-peer transmission between mobile units. Infrastructure mode in which mobile units communicate through an access point that serves as a bridge to a wired network infrastructure is the more common wireless LAN application the one being covered. Since wireless communication uses a more open medium for communication in comparison to wired LANs, the 802.11 designers also included shared-key encryption mechanisms: Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA, WPA2), to secure wireless computer networks.

Bridge
A bridge can be used to connect networks, typically of different types. A wireless Ethernet bridge allows the connection of devices on a wired Ethernet network to a wireless network. The bridge acts as the connection point to the Wireless LAN.

Wireless distribution system

A Wireless Distribution System is a system that enables the wireless interconnection of access points in an IEEE 802.11 network. It allows a wireless network to be expanded using multiple access points without the need for a wired backbone to link them, as is traditionally required. The notable advantage of WDS over other solutions is that it preserves the MAC addresses of client packets across links between access points.

Wireless LAN advantages

Flexibility: within radio coverage, nodes can communicate without further restriction. Radio waves can penetrate walls.

 Planning: wireless ad hoc networks allow for communication without planning. Wired networks need wiring plans. Robustness: wireless networks can survive disasters, if the wireless devices survive people can still communicate

Wireless LAN disadvantages

QoS: WLANs offer tipically lower QoS. Lower bandwidth due to limitations in radio transmission (110 Mbit/s) and higher error rates due to interference. Cost: ethernet adapter vs wireless LAN adapters. Proprietary solutions: slow standardization procedures lead to many proprietary solutions only working in an homogeneous environment. Safety and security: using radio waves for data transmission might interfere with other high-tech equipment.

Infrared vs. radio transmission

Infrared: based on transmission of infrared light Radio transmission: uses the radio transmission in the ISM free-license GHz range Infrared uses diffuse light reflected at walls or directed light if a line-of-sight (LOF) exists between sender and receiver Infrared Technology (IR) frequencies just below the visible light cannot penetrate opaque objects, and low diffusion line-of-sight limitates mobility short range technology (indoor, PAN, LAN nets) High data-rate potential

Infrared vs. radio transmission

The main advantages of infrared: sender and receiver are very cheap (integrated in almost all mobile devices available today) No license is needed for infrared technology Electrical devices do not interfere with infrared transmission Shielding is very simple

Infrared vs. radio transmission

The main disadvantages of infrared: Low bandwidth compared with other LAN technologies Limited transfer rate Infrared transmission can not penetrate walls or other obstacles For good transmission LOS is needed The main advantages of radio transmission: Long-term experience for wide area networks and mobile cellular phones Can cover larger area and can penetrate walls, furniture.. Does not need LOS Current radio-based products offer higher transmission rates (10 Mbit/s)

The main disadvantages of radio transmission: Shielding is not simple(this is also the main advantage), radio transmission can interfere with other senders or electrical devices can destroy data transmitted It is only permitted in certain frequency bands Very limited ranges of license-free bands are available but they are not the same in all countries

Ad-Hoc Mode vs. Infrastructure Mode

The ad-hoc mode, which is comprised of wireless network adapters that are able to automatically locate and communicate with each other. This is the cheapest method of setting up a wireless network and acceptable for a network that consists of two to three computers. However, there are some disadvantages to travelling this route, especially when it comes to a medium to large-sized network. One disadvantage is that it becomes cumbersome for the wireless and wired aspects of your network to communicate. Many of the functionalities are lost when the designated computer is turned off. The other disadvantage to using the ad-hoc mode lies in keeping clients withing range of each other. In a large home or building, connectivity can be lost when each other the computers reside in areas where there is quite a bit of distance between them, placing the network adapters out of range of each other.

As an alternative to the ad-hoc mode, you may wish to implement the infrastructure mode, which overcomes the obstacles that you would experience using the ad-hoc mode. This mode requires the use of wireless access points that would expectedly add to the cost of implementing a wireless networking solution. However, you will find them highly beneficial to your network, especially if you're looking to add more clients to your network. Access points provide a simple means of hardware bridging between your wireless and wired components of your network, instead of utilizing a software bridging solution. An infrastructure wireless network provides for a more reliable network connection for your wireless clients, since you're using a stationary base that is strategically placed for maximum reception.

If you're looking to implement a wireless networking solution with a minimum cost level, you can start with the ad-hoc mode and move into the infrastructure mode.

Selecting Between Infrastructure and Ad Hoc Wireless Modes

Devices in a wireless network are set up to either communicate indirectly through a central place an access point or directly, one to the other. The first is called "Infrastructure Mode" and the other is called "Ad Hoc" mode (it's also called peer-to-peer). You may select either for your wireless network, however all devices communicating directly with each other must use the same mode. I.e, if you work in a business with an existing wireless network, the choice is already made for you. Here are key differences between the modes.

Because Ad Hoc Mode does not require an access point, it's easier to set up, especially in a small or temporary network. Infrastructure takes advantage of the high power of an access point to cover wide areas. Ad Hoc Mode connections are limited, for example between two laptops, to the power available in the laptops. Because the network layout (the network topology) in Ad Hoc Mode changes regularly, system resources are taken just to maintain connectivity. As the Ad Hoc topology changes, throughput and range will change, sometimes in unanticipated ways. New users will have an easier time learning wireless strengths and weaknesses with Infrastructure Mode, and therefore the NETGEAR Installation Guides focus on it.

In an Ad Hoc network with many computers, the amount of interference for all computers will go up, since each is trying to use the same frequency channel. In Ad Hoc Mode, chains of computers will connect to pass your data, if your computer is not directly in range. On the other hand, you do not have control over the path your data takes. The automatic configuration routines may send your data through several computers, causing significant network delays.

High Performance LAN (Hiperlan)

HIPERLAN is a European (ETSI) standardization initiative for a HIgh PERformance wireless Local Area Network. Radio waves are used instead of a cable as a transmission medium to connect stations. Either, the radio transceiver is mounted to the movable station as an add-on and no base station has to be installed separately, or a base station is needed in addition per room. The stations may be moved during operation-pauses or even become mobile. The max. data rate for the user depends on the distance of the communicating stations. With short distances (<50 m) and asynchronous transmission a data rate of 20 Mbit/s is achieved, with up to 800 m distance a data rate of 1 Mbit/s are provided. For connection-oriented services, e.g. video-telephony, at least 64 kbit/s are offered.

HIPERLAN requirements

Short range - 50m Low mobility - 1.4m/s Networks with and without infrastructure Support isochronous traffic audio 32kbps, 10ns latency video 2Mbps, 100ns latency Support asynchronous traffic data 10Mbps, immediate access

Many factors have to be taken into consideration, when quality of service is to be measured. Among these are:

The topography of the landscape in general Elevations in the landscape that might cause shadows, where connectivity is unstable or impossible. Environments with many signal-reflection surfaces Environments with many signal-absorbing surfaces Quality of the wireless equipment Placement of the wireless equipment Number of stations Proximity to installations that generate electronic noise and many more

BLUE TOOTH Bluetooth is a wireless technology for creating personal networks operating in the 2.4 GHz unlicensed band, with a range of 10 meters. Networks are usually formed ad-hoc from portable devices such as cellular phones, handhelds and laptops. Unlike the other popular wireless technology, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth offers higher level service profiles, e.g. FTP-like file servers, file pushing, voice transport, serial line emulation, and more.