Wireless Communication

Wireless communication is the transfer of information between two or more points without the
use1 of a physical connection like cables or optical fibers.2 Instead, it relies on electromagnetic
waves to transmit data over the air.3

Key Features of Wireless Communication

1. No Physical Medium: Data transmission is achieved without cables, offering greater
flexibility.
2. Mobility: Users can communicate while moving, as seen in mobile networks.
3. Wide Coverage: Ranges from local (Wi-Fi) to global (satellite communication).
4. Ease of Deployment: Faster setup compared to wired systems.

Basic Components of Wireless Communication

1. Transmitter: Converts data into signals and sends them through the air.
2. Receiver: Captures and decodes the transmitted signals.
3. Communication Medium: Air or free space acts as the medium for signal transmission.
4. Protocols: Define the rules for communication, ensuring compatibility between devices.

Process of Wireless Communication

1. Signal Generation: The source generates data, such as voice or video, to be
transmitted.
2. Modulation: Data is modulated onto a carrier wave to prepare it for transmission.
3. Transmission: The transmitter sends the modulated signal into the medium.
4. Propagation: The signal travels through air or space to the receiver.
5. Reception: The receiver captures the signal and demodulates it to retrieve the data.
6. Output: The data is delivered to the end device (e.g., audio on a phone, video on a TV).

Types of Wireless Communication

1. Radio Communication: Used in AM/FM radio, television broadcasts, and walkie-talkies.
2. Microwave Communication: High-frequency signals used in satellite links and mobile
towers.
3. Infrared Communication: Short-range communication used in remote controls.
4. Bluetooth: Personal Area Networks for connecting devices over short distances.
 5. Wi-Fi: Provides wireless internet connectivity within local areas.

6. Satellite Communication: Enables long-distance global communication.

Applications of Wireless Communication

1. Mobile Communication: Voice and data transfer via cellular networks (e.g., 4G, 5G).
2. Wi-Fi Networks: Internet access in homes, offices, and public places.
3. IoT: Connecting smart devices like sensors and appliances.
4. Broadcasting: Radio and TV signal distribution.
5. Satellite Systems: GPS, weather forecasting, and global internet coverage.

Advantages of Wireless Communication

1. Mobility: Users can access services while on the move.
2. Convenience: Eliminates the need for physical infrastructure.
3. Scalability: Easy to expand coverage by adding more wireless nodes.
4. Cost-Effective: Reduces installation and maintenance costs for wiring.
5. Flexibility: Suitable for both fixed and temporary networks.

Disadvantages of Wireless Communication

1. Interference: Susceptible to environmental factors like weather and physical
obstructions.
2. Security: Vulnerable to eavesdropping and hacking.
3. Range Limitation: Shorter range compared to wired systems for some technologies.
4. Bandwidth: Limited by spectrum availability.
Evolution of Mobile Communications
Mobile communications have evolved significantly since their inception. The evolution can be
broadly categorized into generations (G):

1G – Analog Communication (1980s)

● Technology: Analog cellular systems.

● Key Features:
○ Voice-only communication.
○ Limited capacity and coverage.
○ Examples: Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), Nordic Mobile Telephone
(NMT).
● Limitations: Poor voice quality, lack of security, and no data services.

2G – Digital Communication (1990s)

● Technology: Introduction of digital systems.

● Key Features:
○ Digital voice communication.
○ SMS and limited data services (e.g., GPRS, EDGE).
○ Enhanced security using encryption.
○ Examples: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division
Multiple Access (CDMA).

3G – Mobile Broadband (2000s)

● Technology: Introduction of packet-switched networks.

● Key Features:
○ High-speed internet access (up to 2 Mbps).
○ Video calling and multimedia services.
○ Examples: Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA).

4G – High-Speed Connectivity (2010s)

● Technology: LTE (Long Term Evolution).

● Key Features:
○ High data rates (up to 1 Gbps).
○ Low latency and better quality for video streaming.
○ Examples: LTE, LTE-Advanced.
5G – Ultra-Fast and Low Latency (2020s)

● Technology: Millimeter wave technology and massive MIMO.

● Key Features:
○ Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB).
○ IoT integration and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC).
○ Examples: Standalone 5G, Non-Standalone 5G.

Mobile Radio Systems Around the World

Mobile radio systems are the backbone of cellular networks, enabling wireless communication
over vast geographical areas. They consist of:

● Base Stations: Transmit and receive radio signals to and from mobile devices.
● Mobile Devices: Handsets or other devices that communicate with the network.
● Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs): Handle call routing and switching.
● Home Location Registers (HLRs): Store subscriber information.
● Visitor Location Registers (VLRs): Track the location of roaming users.

Types of Wireless Communication

Systems
Wireless communication systems transmit information without the need for physical connections
(wires). They use electromagnetic waves like radio, microwave, infrared, and visible light. These
systems can be categorized based on application, technology, and coverage area.

1. Satellite Communication Systems

● Description: Communication via satellites orbiting Earth.
● Components:
○ Uplink: Signal sent from the ground station to the satellite.
○ Downlink: Signal sent from the satellite to the receiver station.
● Applications:
 ○ GPS, weather forecasting, global TV broadcasting, internet access in remote
areas.
● Example: Globalstar, Iridium.

2. Cellular Communication Systems

● Description: Used in mobile networks, dividing geographical areas into "cells."
● Key Features:
○ Each cell has a base station.
○ Frequency reuse for efficient spectrum utilization.
● Applications:
○ Voice calls, SMS, mobile internet (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G).
● Example: GSM, LTE networks.

3. Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)

● Description: Local area wireless communication using radio waves.
● Key Features:
○ Based on IEEE 802.11 standards.
○ Operates in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands.
● Applications:
○ Wireless internet access in homes, offices, and public spaces.
● Example: Home routers, public hotspots.

4. Bluetooth
● Description: Short-range communication for connecting devices.
● Key Features:
○ Low power consumption.
○ Operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band.
● Applications:
○ Wireless peripherals (headphones, keyboards), file transfer.
● Example: Bluetooth 5.0 for IoT devices.

5. Infrared Communication
● Description: Uses infrared light waves for communication.
● Key Features:
○ Requires line-of-sight.
○ Short-range communication.
 ● Applications:
○ Remote controls, medical devices, short-distance data transfer.
● Example: TV remote controls.

6. Zigbee
● Description: Low-power, low-data-rate communication for IoT.
● Key Features:
○ Based on IEEE 802.15.4 standard.
○ Mesh network topology for reliability.
● Applications:
○ Smart home devices, industrial automation.
● Example: Philips Hue lights.

7. NFC (Near-Field Communication)

● Description: Very short-range communication using electromagnetic induction.
● Key Features:
○ Operates at 13.56 MHz.
○ Touch-based or proximity-based communication.
● Applications:
○ Contactless payments, ticketing, file sharing.
● Example: Google Pay, Apple Pay.

8. Radio Communication Systems

● Description: Transmission of data via radio waves.
● Key Features:
○ Long-range communication possible.
○ Operates over a wide frequency range (AM, FM, etc.).
● Applications:
○ Broadcasting (radio, TV), emergency communications.
● Example: FM radio, walkie-talkies.

9. Microwave Communication Systems

● Description: High-frequency radio waves for point-to-point communication.
● Key Features:
○ Requires line-of-sight.
○ High bandwidth and low interference.
 ● Applications:
○ Satellite links, cellular backhaul.
● Example: Communication towers.

10. Li-Fi (Light Fidelity)

● Description: Uses visible light to transmit data.
● Key Features:
○ High-speed communication.
○ Line-of-sight required.
● Applications:
○ Indoor lighting and internet access.
● Example: LED-based communication systems.

Quick Revision Points:

1. Satellite: Long-range, GPS, broadcasting.
2. Cellular: Mobile networks, 2G-5G.
3. Wi-Fi: Local internet, IEEE 802.11.
4. Bluetooth: Short-range, low power.
5. Infrared: Line-of-sight, remotes.
6. Zigbee: IoT, smart homes.
7. NFC: Touch-based, contactless payments.
8. Radio: AM/FM, long-range.
9. Microwave: Point-to-point, high bandwidth.
10. Li-Fi: Visible light, ultra-high speed.

Cellular Networks: A Brief Overview

A cellular network is a wireless communication network that divides a geographical area into
cells, each served by a base station. This cellular structure allows for efficient frequency reuse
and increased capacity.

Key Components of a Cellular Network:

1. Mobile Station (MS):

○ Consists of a mobile device (e.g., smartphone) and a Subscriber Identity Module

(SIM) card.
○ Responsible for initiating and receiving calls, sending and receiving data.
 2. Base Station (BS):

○ Transmits and receives radio signals to and from mobile devices within a cell.
○ Handles call origination, termination, and handoff.
3. Mobile Switching Center (MSC):

○ Controls call routing, handoff, and billing.

○ Connects the cellular network to the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
4. Home Location Register (HLR):

○ Stores subscriber information, such as phone number, location, and service

preferences.
5. Visitor Location Register (VLR):

○ Tracks the current location of a roaming mobile device.

Cellular Network Architecture:

cellular network architecture diagram

Basic Operation:

1. Call Origination:

○ A mobile device initiates a call.

○ The base station receives the call request and forwards it to the MSC.
○ The MSC determines the destination network and routes the call.
2. Call Termination:
 ○The MSC routes the call to the appropriate base station, which then transmits the
signal to the destination mobile device.
3. Handoff:

○ As a mobile device moves from one cell to another, the network seamlessly
transfers the call to the new base station. This process is known as handoff.

Key Advantages of Cellular Networks:

● Increased Capacity: Frequency reuse allows multiple users to share the same
frequency band.
● Improved Coverage: Cellular networks can cover large geographical areas.
● Roaming Capabilities: Mobile devices can roam between different networks.
● Advanced Services: Cellular networks support a wide range of services, including voice
calls, data transmission, and multimedia.

Limitations of Cellular Networks

● Limited frequency spectrum.
● Infrastructure costs for setting up BTSs and backhaul.
● Signal interference and fading in urban or remote areas.

Quick Revision Points:

1. Cellular Network: Divides area into cells with frequency reuse for efficient
communication.
2. Mobile Station (MS): User devices with SIM cards.
3. BSS: BTS for radio communication; BSC for resource management.
4. NSS: Core switching (MSC), user databases (HLR/VLR), authentication (AuC).
5. Packet Core: Handles internet data via SGSN and GGSN.
6. Handoff: Ensures seamless connectivity during movement.
7. Advantages: Mobility, scalability, efficient spectrum usage.
8. Limitations: Infrastructure cost, interference, spectrum constraints.
Difference Between Wired and
Wireless Communication
Wired and wireless communication are two primary types of communication systems used for
data transmission. They differ in terms of medium, speed, cost, and application.

Aspect Wired Communication Wireless Communication

Medium Physical cables like copper wires, Electromagnetic waves such as

fiber optics, or coaxial cables. radio, infrared, or microwave
signals.

Installation Requires extensive physical cabling No physical cables required; uses

and structured setup. antennas and transmitters.

Cost Higher installation and maintenance Lower initial cost but higher
cost for cables. infrastructure costs for large areas.

Mobility Limited; devices are fixed or require High; allows for device mobility
cable connections. within the coverage area.

Signal Less susceptible to interference as Highly prone to interference from

Interference signals travel through cables. environmental factors.

Speed Generally faster, especially with fiber Speeds depend on technology (e.g.,
optics (up to 1 Gbps or more). 4G, 5G) but typically slower.

Security More secure due to physical Less secure; prone to

connectivity. eavesdropping and hacking without
encryption.

Maintenance Repairs can be complex due to Easier to maintain but requires

physical damage to cables. regular updates to wireless
protocols.
Reliability High reliability with minimal signal Reliability depends on
loss. environmental conditions and
interference.

Coverage Limited to areas where cables are Wide coverage but depends on the
installed. strength of wireless signals.

Applications Used in LANs, telecommunication Used in mobile networks, Wi-Fi, IoT,

networks, and industrial setups. and satellite communications.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature Wired Communication Wireless
Communication

Medium Physical cables Electromagnetic waves

Mobility Low High

Cost Higher installation Lower initial cost

Speed Generally faster Slower but improving

Security More secure Prone to hacking

Reliability Highly reliable Subject to interference

Quick Revision Points:

1. Wired Communication: Uses cables, high speed, secure, but low mobility.
2. Wireless Communication: Uses radio waves, mobile, less secure, subject to
interference.
3. Applications: Wired for LANs and industrial networks; wireless for mobile and IoT.
 Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard used to exchange data between fixed
and mobile devices over short distances. It is commonly used to connect devices like:

● Headsets: For hands-free calling and music listening.

● Speakers: For wireless audio playback.
● Keyboards and Mice: For wireless input devices.
● Smartphones and Tablets: For file sharing and data transfer.

Key features of Bluetooth:

● Short Range: Typically operates within a range of 10 meters.

● Low Power Consumption: Consumes minimal power, making it suitable for
battery-powered devices.
● Easy Pairing: Simple process to connect devices.
● Security: Offers encryption and authentication to protect data transmission.

Limitations:

1. Limited range compared to Wi-Fi.

2. Slower data rates for large file transfers.
3. Prone to interference in crowded environments.

Personal Area Networks (PANs)

● A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a type of wireless or wired communication network
that operates within a small physical area, typically a range of 10 meters or less.
● PANs are designed for personal devices to connect and communicate with each other,
enabling seamless data transfer and connectivity.

Key characteristics of a PAN:

● Short Range: Typically covers a small area, usually within 10 meters.

● Low Power Consumption: Devices in a PAN are often battery-powered, so low power
consumption is essential.
 ● High Data Rate: While not as high as larger networks, PANs can support moderate data
transfer speeds.
● Security: PANs often employ security measures to protect data transmission.

Advantages of a PAN:

● Easy Setup and Simple

● High Mobility
● Low-Cost

Dis-Advantages of a PAN:

● Limited Range
● Security Threats
● Slower / Moderate Data Transfer Speed

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a type of network that allows devices to connect
and communicate wirelessly within a localized area, such as a home, office, or campus. It uses
radio waves instead of wired connections to enable data transmission, providing flexibility and
mobility for connected devices.

Components of WLAN
1. Access Point (AP):
○ Acts as a central hub for wireless devices to connect to the network.
2. Wireless Devices:
○ Include laptops, smartphones, printers, IoT devices, etc., equipped with wireless
adapters.
3. Router:
○ Provides internet access and often integrates with the access point.
4. Wireless Adapters:
○ Installed in devices to facilitate wireless communication.
WLAN Topology
WLAN can operate using different topologies depending on the setup and requirements:

1. Infrastructure Mode (Star Topology)

● Description:
Devices communicate through a centralized access point (AP), which manages traffic
and connects the WLAN to other networks like the internet.
● Advantages:
○ Efficient management of connections.
○ Centralized control and scalability.
● Disadvantages:
○ AP failure disrupts the network.
● Example: Home Wi-Fi networks.

In this Between AP and comp, Draw a switch / hub

2. Ad-Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Topology)

● Description:
Devices communicate directly without an access point. Each device acts as both a client
and a router.
● Advantages:
○ No need for additional hardware like APs.
○ Useful for temporary setups.
● Disadvantages:
○ Limited range and scalability.
 ● Example: File sharing between laptops.

3. Hybrid Topology

● Description:
Combines both infrastructure and ad-hoc modes. Access points connect to other
networks, while some devices communicate directly in an ad-hoc manner.
● Advantages:
○ Flexible and versatile.
○ Can extend the network's range.
● Disadvantages:
○ Complexity in setup and management.

Generations of Wireless
Technology/Systems
Wireless technology has evolved over time, with each generation (commonly referred to as "G")
introducing significant improvements in terms of speed, capacity, and functionality. Here's an
overview of the major generations:

1. First Generation (1G)

● Era: 1980s
● Technology: Analog
● Features:
○ Introduced voice-only communication.
○ Based on analog signals (AMPS - Advanced Mobile Phone System).
○ Poor voice quality, low security, and high chances of dropped calls.
 ○ Large, bulky mobile devices.
● Speed: ~2.4 kbps
● Drawbacks: Lack of encryption, limited capacity, no support for data services.

2. Second Generation (2G)

● Era: 1990s
● Technology: Digital
● Features:
○ Transitioned to digital signals (GSM, CDMA).
○ Introduced SMS (Short Message Service) and MMS (Multimedia Messaging
Service).
○ Improved voice clarity and call encryption.
○ Allowed basic data services (e.g., text messaging).
● Speed: ~64 kbps
● Drawbacks: Limited internet capabilities, slower data rates.

2.5G (Interim Generation)

● Technology: GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for
GSM Evolution).
● Features:
○ Introduced packet-switched data transfer for internet browsing and email.
○ Improved data speeds over 2G.
● Speed: ~144 kbps.

3. Third Generation (3G)

● Era: Early 2000s
● Technology: WCDMA, UMTS, CDMA2000
● Features:
○ Enabled high-speed data transmission for multimedia applications.
○ Introduced video calls, mobile TV, and online streaming.
○ Support for global roaming.
● Speed: 200 kbps to 2 Mbps.
● Drawbacks: High power consumption, expensive infrastructure.

4. Fourth Generation (4G)

● Era: Late 2000s
 ● Technology: LTE (Long-Term Evolution), WiMAX
● Features:
○ Focused on providing a seamless broadband internet experience.
○ Support for HD video streaming, online gaming, and VoIP services.
○ Increased spectral efficiency.
● Speed: 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
● Drawbacks: Expensive deployment, limited rural coverage initially.

5. Fifth Generation (5G)

● Era: 2020s
● Technology: mmWave, Massive MIMO, Beamforming
● Features:
○ Ultra-high speed and low latency (ideal for IoT, AR/VR, autonomous vehicles).
○ Supports massive device connectivity for smart cities and IoT.
○ High energy efficiency and spectrum utilization.
● Speed: Up to 10 Gbps.
● Challenges: High infrastructure costs, limited range of mmWave frequencies.

Comparison Table
Feature 1G 2G 3G 4G 5G

Era 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s

Technolog Analog Digital WCDMA, LTE, WiMAX mmWave, MIMO,

y UMTS Beamforming

Speed ~2.4 kbps ~64 kbps 200 kbps - 2 100 Mbps - 1 Up to 10 Gbps
Mbps Gbps

Services Voice Voice, Voice, Video, HD Video, VoIP, IoT, AR/VR,

only SMS Data Gaming Autonomous Cars

Security Minimal Better Improved Advanced Highly Secure

Drawback Poor Low data Expensive Limited rural High infrastructure

s quality rates setup coverage costs
Quick Revision Points
1. 1G: Analog, voice-only, poor quality.
2. 2G: Digital, introduced SMS, better security.
3. 3G: High-speed data, video calls, internet access.
4. 4G: Broadband experience, HD streaming, online gaming.
5. 5G: Ultra-high speed, IoT, smart cities, AR/VR.

WHY CELLS ARE HEXAGONAL IN

SHAPE ?
Quick Revision:
● Hexagonal Shape: Allows seamless coverage without gaps or overlaps.
● Better Approximation: Closely mimics the circular coverage of radio signals.
● Efficient Frequency Reuse: Simplifies planning with six neighboring cells.
● Maximized Area: Covers more area per base station compared to other shapes.
● Tessellation Advantage: More practical than circles, squares, or triangles.
 Comparison: CDMA vs. GSM
Feature CDMA (Code Division Multiple GSM (Global System for Mobile
Access) Communications)

Technology Uses spread-spectrum Uses time-division multiplexing and

technology where each call is frequency-division techniques to
encoded with a unique code. separate calls.

SIM Card Does not require a SIM card; Requires a SIM card for user
device is tied to the carrier. identification.

Bandwidth More efficient, allowing multiple Less efficient compared to CDMA.

Utilization users to share the same
frequency.

Network Requires carrier permission to SIM-based, making it easier to

Access switch devices. switch devices.

Data Speed Generally higher than GSM in Moderate data speeds.

older implementations.

Coverage Better coverage in rural and Better coverage in urban and

sparsely populated areas. densely populated areas.
 Call Quality Superior quality due to dynamic Slightly lower call quality under
channel allocation. heavy network load.

Examples Used in technologies like Used in 2G/3G networks

CDMA2000, WCDMA. worldwide.

Definition: WLAN (Wireless Local

Area Network)
WLAN is a wireless communication system that provides network access within a limited area
(e.g., home, office, campus) using radio waves. It adheres to standards like IEEE 802.11 and
allows devices to connect to a local network without physical cables.

Merits of WLAN
1. Ease of Installation:
○ No physical cables required, reducing setup complexity.
2. Mobility:
○ Users can move freely within the network area while staying connected.
3. Scalability:
○ Easy to add or remove devices from the network.
4. Cost-Effective:
○ Saves on the cost of cabling in large installations.
5. Flexibility:
○ Suitable for dynamic environments where network configurations change
frequently.

Demerits of WLAN
1. Security Risks:
○ Susceptible to attacks like eavesdropping, unauthorized access, and hacking.
2. Interference:
○ Signal degradation due to interference from other wireless devices or obstacles.
3. Range Limitations:
○ Coverage is limited to a specific area and affected by physical barriers.
4. Speed Variations:
○ Data transfer speed may decrease as the number of connected devices
increases.
5. Power Consumption:
 ○ Devices consume more battery power compared to wired connections.

Quick Revision Points

CDMA vs. GSM

● CDMA: No SIM, higher efficiency, better rural coverage.

● GSM: SIM-based, easier device switching, better urban coverage.

WLAN

● Merits: Easy installation, mobility, scalability, cost-effective, flexible.

● Demerits: Security risks, interference, limited range, speed variations, high power
consumption.

Comparison: WiMAX vs. WiFi

Technologies
Aspect WiMAX (Worldwide WiFi (Wireless Fidelity)
Interoperability for Microwave
Access)

Purpose Designed for long-range broadband Designed for short-range

internet access. wireless connectivity.

Standard IEEE 802.16 IEEE 802.11

Coverage Up to 50 km (31 miles) for fixed Up to 100 meters (328 feet)

Area stations; several kilometers for indoors; slightly more
mobile. outdoors.

Frequency 2 GHz to 66 GHz 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

Bands

Data Transfer Up to 70 Mbps (theoretical) Up to 9.6 Gbps with WiFi 6.

Rate

Access Type Point-to-multipoint and Local Area Network (LAN) for

long-distance access. small-scale coverage.
 Deployment Suitable for metropolitan areas, Common in homes, offices,
rural broadband, and last-mile and public spaces like cafes
access. and airports.

Mobility Limited mobility in early versions, High mobility within the WiFi
Support enhanced in mobile WiMAX. coverage range.

Cost Higher infrastructure costs due to Lower cost for setup and
long-range and base station equipment.
requirements.

Applications - Wireless broadband (last-mile - High-speed internet in homes

access). and offices.

- Backhaul for cellular networks. - Connecting multiple devices

in small areas.

- Internet access in rural or - IoT, streaming, gaming, and

underserved areas. file sharing.

Security Offers encryption protocols like Enhanced security with WPA3

AES. in modern versions.

Power Higher due to long-distance Lower compared to WiMAX.

Consumption transmission.

Wireless Adhoc Network

A Wireless Adhoc Network (WAN) is a type of wireless network where devices (also called
nodes) communicate directly with each other without relying on a fixed infrastructure or central
coordinator like routers or access points. Each device in the network acts as both a host and a
relay, forwarding data for other devices.

Key Characteristics of Wireless Adhoc Networks:

1. Decentralized:
○ There is no central control or fixed infrastructure like base stations or access
points. Each device in the network can communicate directly with other devices,
making it highly flexible.
2. Dynamic Topology:
○ The network topology can change frequently because devices can join or leave
 the network, and the network’s shape can constantly evolve.
3. Peer-to-Peer Communication:
○ Devices communicate directly with one another, and every device can act as a
sender, receiver, and relay.
4. Self-organizing:
○ The network can self-organize and reconfigure as needed without the need for
manual intervention or pre-set infrastructure.
5. No Fixed Infrastructure:
○ It doesn't require a fixed or predefined network infrastructure like routers, which
makes it cost-effective and easy to deploy in temporary or emergency scenarios.

Applications of Wireless Adhoc Networks:

● Military Networks: Used in battlefield communication, where establishing a fixed

network might be difficult.
● Emergency Services: In case of natural disasters, adhoc networks can be set up
quickly for communication.
● Sensor Networks: Used in various applications like environmental monitoring or health
care systems, where many sensors need to communicate without a central
infrastructure.
● Vehicular Networks (VANETs): Vehicles communicating with each other to improve
safety and traffic management.

Advantages of Wireless Adhoc Networks:

1. Flexibility and Mobility:

○ Ideal for scenarios requiring high mobility and quick deployment, like in disaster
management or military operations.
2. Cost-Efficient:
○ No need for a fixed infrastructure or base stations, which reduces setup and
maintenance costs.
3. Scalability:
○ New devices can join the network easily without much hassle, and the network
can grow or shrink as needed.
4. Self-Healing:
○ Devices can route data through multiple paths, ensuring the network can recover
from node failures or communication issues.

Disadvantages of Wireless Adhoc Networks:

1. Limited Range:
○ Since nodes are usually battery-powered and don’t have a fixed infrastructure,
the range may be limited.
2. Security Issues:
○ Adhoc networks are more vulnerable to attacks because they often lack
centralized control or security management.
3. Bandwidth Limitations:
○ The use of multiple hops to relay data can lead to lower bandwidth and higher
latency as the number of nodes increases.
4. Power Consumption:
○ Since each node may act as a relay, this can drain battery life quickly, especially
in large networks.

Quick Revision Points

● Wireless Adhoc Network (WAN): A decentralized network without fixed infrastructure,
where nodes communicate directly.
● Characteristics: Dynamic topology, peer-to-peer, self-organizing.
● Applications: Military, emergency services, sensor networks, vehicular networks.
● Advantages: Flexibility, low cost, scalability, self-healing.
● Disadvantages: Limited range, security risks, bandwidth limitations, high power
consumption.