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Table of Contents:
Introduction A Brief Historical Background A Basic Wireless LAN Network Wi-Fi Network Topologies Internationally Accepted Standards of Wi-Fi Advantages Of Wifi Limitations Of Wifi Security And Wifi: An Overview Applications Cost Where To Start Wi-Max: The Next Frontier For Wireless Networks
Introduction
Wi-Fi is an abbreviation for Wireless Fidelity and a catch all phrase for the several different standards and recommendations that comprise wireless networking. Wi-Fi enables the user to deploy a computer network without needing to run cable throughout the facility.
Ad-hoc Mode
Peer-to-peer setup where clients can connect to each other directly. Generally not used for business networks. Its set up for a special purpose and for a short period of time.
Infrastructure Mode
There is an Access Point (AP), which becomes the hub of a star topology. Any communication has to go through AP. If a Mobile Station (MS), like a computer, a PDA, or a phone, wants to communicate with another MS, it needs to send the information to AP first, then AP sends it to the destination MS. Multiple APs can be connected together and handle a large number of clients. Used by the majority of WLANs in homes and businesses.
Access Point
Standards (contd..)
Protocol Release date Frequency (GHz) Band width (MHz ) Data Rate per Stream (Mbit/s ) Up to 54 Up to 11 Range (feet)
802.11a 802.11b
5 2.4
20 20
50-75 100-150
802.11g
802.11n
June 2003
2.4
20
20/40
Up to 54
100-150
Advantages of Wi-Fi
Mobility: Wi-Fi systems can provide LAN users with access to realtime information anywhere in their organization Installation Speed and Simplicity: Installing a Wi-Fi 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. Reduced Cost-of-Ownership: Long term cost is lesser than wired networks. Speed: It offers much high speed up to 54 Mbps which is very much greater than other wireless access technologies like CORDECT, GSM and CDMA.
Limitations Of Wi-Fi
Limited Coverage: 300 ft. effective range from access point.
Interference: Structural Interference as well as interference from other wireless devices. Security: Wi-Fi Access Points and modems use the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) Standards, which is very susceptible to hacking and eavesdropping. Backhaul: Backhaul generally refers to the side of the network that communicates with the global Internet. Backhaul reduces the remaining throughput further.
Applications Of Wi-Fi
Any application currently used on a traditional wired network can be used on a wireless network. New applications may be available or can be developed to take advantage of wireless, such as Wireless PDA access to a card catalog.
Security(contd)
To keep the network private and secure, one or both of the following methods can be used:
Wi-Fi Protected Access version 2 (WPA2) is the successor to WEP and WPA, and is now the recommended security standard for Wi-Fi networks. It uses either TKIP or Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption, depending upon what you choose at setup. AES is considered the most secure.
Media Access Control (MAC) address filtering restricts the number of machines which can connect to the router based in the hardware MAC address.
Cost
802.11b Wireless Access Points start around $130.00 for basic connectivity and run up to $500.00 for more management features.
802.11b Network Interface Cards (NICs) cost between $50-$100 and come in USB, PCI, PCMCIA and CompactFlash versions.
Where to Start
Evaluate the need. Assess current security and future needs. Assess the environment. Choose a standard. Ask for help.