INSTITUTE OF ACCOUNTANCY ARUSHA (IAA)

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATICS
GROUP ASSIGNMENT
MODULE NAME: WIRELESS NETWORKING
PROGRAMME: BCSe III
MODULE CODE: CYU 08105
FACILITATOR: DAVID (MR. ABARAN)
ACADEMIC YEAR: 2024/2025
GROUP MEMBERS
S/N NAME REGISTRATION NUMBER

01 DAMAS G. SALIMU BCSe-01-0219-2022

02 JASTIN D. THOMAS BCSe-01-0129-2022

03 EMMANUEL M. MORO BCSe-01-0150-2022

04 JOSEPH I. MUTASHOBYA BCSe-01-0086-2022

05 ANGELA E. KIMARIO BCSe-01-0001-2022

06 THOMAS R. MIHAYO BCSe-01-0224-2022

07 NOPHELY N. BUDEBA BCSe-01-0139-2022

08 FATMA H. MKOKOTA BCSe-01-0077-2022

09 JACKSON N. KULAYA BCSe-01-0048-2022

10 HAPPYNESS N. MWILONGO BCSe-01-0022-2022

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11 LUCKY K. MASAOE BCSe-01-0022-2022

12 LOYCE O. DAMIAN BCSe-01-0161-2022

13 MALASHI M. MALASHI BCSe-01-0202-2022

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1. Why do we study Wireless Networking?

Wireless networking refers to the use of radio waves or infrared signals to connect devices
and enable communication without the need for physical cables. It allows multiple devices such
as computers, smartphones, IoT gadgets and other equipment to share data and access the
internet over a network seamlessly.

The following are some of the reasons to why we study wireless networking;
 Enables mobility and connectivity: wireless networking allows users to connect from
almost anywhere within range of a signal. This mobility supports remote work, real-time
communication and access to resources, enhancing productivity and convenience.
 Cost-effective and scalable: wireless networks are easier and cheaper to set up
compared to wired systems especially in areas with limited infrastructure. They can also
be scaled easily as more devices need to connect.
 Improves communication and collaboration: it facilitates seamless communication
through tools like video conferencing, cloud-based collaboration platforms and
messaging apps, breaking down barriers to global interaction.
 Drives technological innovations: studying wireless networking helps us understand
and improve key technologies like, Wi-Fi, 5G networks and IoT (Internet of Things).

The following are the key components of wireless networking;

 Wireless Access Points (APs): Devices that broadcast signals to create a wireless
network and allow devices to connect to the network.
 Client devices: Devices like smartphones, laptops, IoT devices that connect to the
network.
 Router and internet connection: the router manages data traffic between devices and
may also connect the network to the internet.
 Radio signals and frequency bands: wireless networks transmit data using radio
frequencies such as; 2.4GHz, 5GHz.
Types of wireless networks:
 Wi-Fi: this is a wireless networking technology used to connect devices within a small area such
as, home, office or public space to a network or internet.

 Bluetooth: it is a short-range wireless technology designed to connect devices directly to each

other for data transfer or control purposes.

 Satellites: Satellite wireless networks use satellites orbiting the Earth to provide long-distance
communication. They are often used in remote or rural areas where traditional infrastructure is
unavailable. Satellite communication supports internet access, television broadcasting, GPS, and
other forms of data transmission.

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  Cellular Networks: Cellular networks are wireless communication systems divided into "cells,"
each served by a base station. These networks enable mobile devices to communicate for voice,
text, and data services. Common technologies include 4G, 5G, and LTE.

 Internet of Things (IoT): IoT networks consist of interconnected devices that communicate with
each other and/or central systems over the internet. IoT devices often include sensors, smart
home gadgets, industrial equipment, and wearable technology.

Studying wireless networking is essential for understanding and contributing to the technologies that
connect the world. It provides the skills to innovate, solve complex problems, and shape the future of
communication and connectivity.

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2. Why do we need standards in wireless networks

Wireless network standards are guidelines and specifications developed by standard-setting

organizations to ensure interoperability, reliability, and security across wireless devices and
systems. These standards regulate aspects such as frequency usage, data transmission rates, and
communication protocols.
The following are the reasons why we need standards in wireless networks:
 Interoperability; Standards ensure that devices from different manufacturers can
communicate effectively, regardless of brand or origin.
For example, Wi-Fi standards like IEEE 802.11 allow laptops, smartphones, and routers
from different brands to connect seamlessly.

 Security; Standards establish protocols for encrypting wireless communication and

protecting data from unauthorized access or interception.
Example: Wi-Fi standards include WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) for secure network
connections.

 Efficiency in Spectrum Usage; Standards allocate and optimize the use of limited radio
frequency spectrum to avoid interference between different devices and networks.
For instance, standards ensure efficient coexistence of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular
signals operating in the same environment.

 Reliability; by defining protocols and error-handling mechanisms, standards enhance the

reliability of wireless communication. This is essential for applications where consistent
and accurate data transfer is critical such as medical devices or industrial sensors.

Key standards in wireless networks;

 Wi-Fi Standards (IEEE 802.11)
Organization: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Enables wireless local area networking (WLAN) for homes, offices, and public spaces.
Key Versions:
 802.11a: Operates in the 5 GHz band, offering faster speeds but shorter range.
 802.11b: Uses the 2.4 GHz band for better range but slower speeds.
 802.11g: Combines the range of 2.4 GHz and the speed of 802.11a.
 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4): Introduced MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) for better speed
and range.
 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5): Focused on 5 GHz for faster speeds, supporting HD streaming.
 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6): Improved efficiency, speed, and capacity, especially in dense
environments.
 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7): Emerging standard promising ultra-high speed and low latency.

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  Cellular Standards
Organization: 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)
Governs global mobile communication systems for voice, text, and data.
Generations:
 2G (GSM/CDMA): Focused on voice and text.
 3G (UMTS): Introduced data services like mobile internet.
 4G (LTE): High-speed internet for video streaming and apps.
 5G: Ultra-low latency, high-speed internet, enabling IoT, autonomous systems,
and real-time applications.

 Bluetooth Standards
Organization: Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG)
Provides short-range wireless communication between devices.
Key Versions:
 Bluetooth 4.0: Introduced Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for IoT.
 Bluetooth 5.0: Improved range, speed, and broadcasting capacity.
 Bluetooth 5.1/5.2: Added direction-finding and better IoT support.

 Zigbee and Z-Wave

Organization: Zigbee Alliance and Z-Wave Alliance
Standards for low-power, short-range wireless communication in IoT and smart home
devices.
 Zigbee: Based on IEEE 802.15.4, used for mesh networking in smart homes.
 Z-Wave: Proprietary standard optimized for smart home automation with
reliable performance.

Standards in wireless networks are essential because they ensure consistency, reliability, and
interoperability across devices, networks, and systems worldwide. Without these standards,
wireless communication would face significant challenges, including incompatibility, inefficiency,
and security risks.

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3. Why can a mobile device connect up to 8 devices via hotspot?
A mobile device can connect up to 8 devices via a hotspot because of hardware, software, and
network limitations. Here’s an explanation of why this limit exists and the factors involved:

 Hardware Limitations; The device’s Wi-Fi module switches to access point mode,
allowing it to act as a mini router. However, it can only handle a limited number of
simultaneous connections due to its processing power and memory capacity. Beyond
this, performance drops, so a cap of 8 devices ensures stability.

 Operating System Design; The mobile operating system (like iOS or Android) enforces a
software limit to prevent overloading the system. This ensures the hotspot feature runs
smoothly without crashing or overheating when managing multiple connections.

 Network and Carrier Policies; Carriers often configure a maximum device connection
limit in the hotspot feature to avoid overloading their mobile data networks. By capping
it at 8 devices, they ensure fair distribution of bandwidth among users in the area.

 Battery and Power Constraints; Hotspot functionality uses significant energy to transmit
Wi-Fi signals and manage connections. Allowing up to 8 devices is a practical threshold
to minimize excessive battery drain and prevent the device from overheating.

 Bandwidth Sharing; The device’s data connection is split among all connected devices. If
more than 8 devices were allowed, each would receive significantly less bandwidth,
resulting in poor performance. The cap ensures reasonable speeds for all users.

 Security and Manageability; Allowing a maximum of 8 connections helps users easily

monitor and control who connects to their hotspot. This reduces the risk of
unauthorized access or performance degradation caused by excessive connections.
The limit of 8 devices ensures that the hardware, software, and network resources of the mobile
device can handle the load effectively without compromising performance, power, or security.

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 REFERENCES
Techopedia: Why Wireless Network Standards are Important

IEEE 802.11 Overview: IEEE 802.11 Standards

GeeksforGeeks: Types of Wireless Networks

Cisco: Introduction to IoT Networks

Network World: Why Study Wireless Networking

Forbes: The Role of Wireless Networks in the Future of Technology

Android Authority: How Many Devices Can Connect to Your Phone's Hotspot