WIRELESS

By Nyero Abdallah Ibrahim

Dept: Applied Computing and IT
(MBA, CCNA, CCNP)

2.1
 LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The Objectives of this lecture are to;
1.Define what wireless Networks are and how different they are from
wired networks
2.Show why wireless
3.Illustrate different wireless standards
4.Demonstrate how to configure peer to peer and infrastructure mode
wireless
5.List factors (criterion) for wireless selection
6.To discuss wireless security

2.2
Wireless LAN
A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a flexible data communication
system implemented as an extension to, or as an alternative for,
a wired LAN within a building or campus.
Using electromagnetic waves, WLANs transmit and receive data
over the air, minimizing the need for wired connections.
WLANs combine data connectivity with user mobility, and,
through simplified configuration, enable movable LANs.
2.3
Why Wireless LAN?
Mobility-Wireless LAN systems can provide LAN users with access to real-
time information anywhere in their organization. This mobility supports
productivity and service opportunities not possible with wired networks.
Installation Speed and Simplicity-Installing a wireless LAN system can be
fast and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and
ceilings.
Installation Flexibility-Wireless technology allows the network to go where
wire cannot go.
2.4
Why Wireless LAN?
Reduced Cost-of-Ownership-While the initial investment required for wireless
LAN hardware can be higher than the cost of wired LAN hardware, overall
installation expenses and life-cycle costs can be significantly lower. Long-term cost
benefits are greatest in dynamic environments requiring frequent moves, adds,
and changes.
Scalability-Wireless LAN systems can be configured in a variety of topologies to
meet the needs of specific applications and installations. Configurations are easily
changed and range from peer-to-peer networks suitable for a small number of
users to full infrastructure networks of thousands of users that allows roaming
over a broad area.
2.5
Limitations of Wireless
Lower reliability due to susceptibility of radio transmission to noise and
interference.
Fluctuation of the strength of the received signal through multiple paths causing
fading.
Vulnerable to eavesdropping leading to security problem.
Limited data rate

2.6
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2.13
Wireless LAN Hardware
Wireless Network Interface
Card (NIC)
 Contains the radio transceiver,
 antenna, and circuitry to convert
 Radio Frequency (RF) to digital

Wireless LANs

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Wireless LAN Hardware (II)
Wireless Access Point (AP)
 A network device that interconnects a wireless radio
network to a wired LAN. Also known as a Base Station
 Bridges between wireless and wired segments to
minimize traffic
 Frequency selection
 Authentication & Encryption
 Built-in radio & antenna(s)
or slots for PC Cards
 Hardware vs. software APs
Wireless LANs

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Software AP & Hardware AP

Hardware Access Point

Software Access Point

Wireless LANs

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Wireless LAN Configurations
Peer-to-peer Workgroup (ad hoc)
A wireless LAN transceiver that connects the wired LAN with wireless client. Wireless
LANs can be simple or complex. At its most basic, two PCs equipped with wireless
adapter cards can set up an independent network whenever they are within range of
one another. This is called a peer-to-peer network. On-demand networks such as in
this example require no administration or preconfiguration. In this case each client
would only have access to the resources of the other client and not to a central server.

Wireless LANs

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Ad Hoc Mode (Peer to Peer)

•Simplest and cheapest to build

•Client computers communicate directly with each other

•All client computers must be within range of each other

•File & printer sharing using a peer-to-peer operating system

Wireless LANs

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Wireless LAN Configurations (1)

A wireless peer-to-peer network

Client and Access Point

Wireless LANs

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Client server (infrastructure)

Access Point
Installing an access point can extend the range of an ad hoc network, effectively
doubling the range at which the devices can communicate. Since the access point is
connected to the wired network each client would have access to server resources as
well as to other clients. Each access point can accommodate many clients; the specific
number depends on the number and nature of the transmissions involved. Many real-
world applications exist where a single access point services from 15-50 client devices.
A single WAP is called a Basic Service Set (BSS)
Additional WAPs create an Extended Basic Service Set (EBSS

Wireless LANs

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Infrastructure Mode (Client server)

Standalone LAN or integrated into an existing enterprise

network
Wireless LANs

21
Wireless LAN Configurations (2)

Multiple access points

and roaming

Use of an extension point

Wireless LANs

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When Should I Use Wireless?
Wireless makes the most sense in situations requiring:
 Quick setup and take down (conferences, trade shows)
 Temporary facilities (leased or rented space)
 Historical buildings

When Shouldn’t I Use Wireless?

Wireless is not a substitute for a good wired infrastructure.

 Speed
 Reliability
 Security
 Cost (?)

Wireless LANs

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How are WLANs Different?
They use specialized physical and data link protocols
They integrate into existing networks through Access Points which
provide a bridging function
They let you stay connected as you roam from one coverage area to
another
They have unique security considerations
They have specific interoperability requirements
They require different hardware
They offer performance that differs from wired LANs.

Wireless LANs

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Configuring Wireless Networks
Ad-hoc Mode - Does not require a Wireless Access Point (WAP)
Each wireless PC needs to be configured with the same network name
(SSID)
May need to select a common channel
Configure unique host IP addresses (no DHCP)
Configure File and Printer Sharing (Workgroup)

Infrastructure Mode
Requires a Wireless Access Point (WAP)
All nodes need to be configured the same
Configure the WAP and client PCs to match the chosen options
Wireless LANs

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Wireless LAN Selection Criteria

Network, platform and O/S support

 LAN connectivity, Driver support, Interfaces
Performance
 Indoor and outdoor range, Throughput
 Power consumption
Ease of installation
Management functionality
 e.g., SMTP, Web-based network management tool
Security features
Cost
Wireless LANs

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Sunday 26 November 2023 11:20:53 AM