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Lecture 9 - Wireless networking

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Lecture 9 - Wireless networking

good for revision

Uploaded by

mungai.allan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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WIRELESS NETWORKS

Introduction
• A wireless LAN or WLAN is a wireless local area
network that uses radio waves as its carrier.
• The last link with the users is wireless, to give a
network connection to all users in a building or
campus.
• The backbone network usually uses cables
Hardware
• PC Card, either with integral antenna or with
external antenna/RF module. ISA Card with external
antenna connected by cable. Handheld terminals
Access points
• There is a need of an
access point that bridges
wireless LAN traffic into
the wired LAN.
• The access point (AP) can
also act as a repeater for
wireless nodes, effectively
doubling the maximum
possible distance between
nodes.
Introduction
Complete Wireless Networks

• The physical size of the network is determined by


the maximum reliable propagation range of the
radio signals.
• Referred to as ad hoc networks
• Are self-organizing networks without any
centralized control
• Suited for temporary situations such as meetings
and conferences.
How do wireless LANs work?
• Wireless LANs operate in almost the same way as
wired LANs, using the same networking protocols
and supporting the most of the same applications.
Types of Wireless networks
• WLANS: Wireless Local Area Networks
• WLANS allow users in a local area, such as a university
campus or library, to form a network or gain access to
the internet. A temporary network can be formed by a
small number of users without the need of an access
point; given that they do not need access to network
resources.
• WPANS: Wireless Personal Area Networks
• The two current technologies for wireless personal area
networks are Infra Red (IR) and Bluetooth (IEEE
802.15). These will allow the connectivity of personal
devices within an area of about 30 feet. However, IR
requires a direct line of site and the range is less.
Types of Wireless networks
• WMANS: Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks
• This technology allows the connection of multiple
networks in a metropolitan area such as different
buildings in a city, which can be an alternative or
backup to laying copper or fiber cabling.
• WWANS: Wireless Wide Area Networks
• These types of networks can be maintained over
large areas, such as cities or countries, via multiple
satellite systems or antenna sites looked after by an
ISP. These types of systems are referred to as 2G,
3G, 4G etc(2nd, 3rd or 4th Generation) systems.
Advantages over wired network
• users can move around freely within the area of the
network with their laptops, handheld devices etc
and get an internet connection.
• Users are also able to share files and other
resources with other devices that are connected to
the network without having to be cabled to a port.
• Not having to lay lots of cables and put them
through walls etc. can be a considerable advantage
in terms of time and expense. It also makes it easier
to add extra devices to the network, as no new
cabling is needed.
Advantages over wired network
• If you are a business such as a café, having a
wireless network that is accessible to customers can
bring you extra business. Customers generally love
wireless networks because they are convenient.
• Wireless networks can sometimes handle a larger
amount of users because they are not limited by a
specific number of connection ports.
• Instant transfer of information to social media is
made much easier. For instance, taking a
photograph and uploading it to Facebook can
generally be done much quicker with wireless
technology.
Disadvantages over wired network
• It can require extra costs and equipment to set up,
although increasingly routers have built-in wireless
capability, as do devices such as laptops, handheld
devices, modern DVD players, and TVs.
• Setting up a wireless network can sometimes be
difficult for people who are not experienced with
computers. (Although there are issues with setting
up a wired network too, off course!)
• File-sharing transfer speeds are normally slower
with wireless networks than they are with cabled.
The speeds can also vary considerably according to
your location in relation to the network.
Disadvantages over wired network
• The general speed of a wireless connection is also
usually much slower than a wired one. The
connection also gets worse the farther you are from
the router, which can be a problem in a large
building or space.
• Wireless connections can be obstructed by
everyday household items and structures such as
walls, ceilings, and furniture.
• Wireless networks are generally less secure. There
can also be problems with neighbors stealing
bandwidth, if the network hasn’t been set up to be
password protected. Information is also less secure
too and can be easier to hack into.
standards
• Research on wireless network standards

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