Wi-Fi Technology

ARTI J JANSARI M.E.(C.S.E.):-1ST (E.C.)

CONTENTS

Introduction Wi-Fi Technologies Wi-Fi Architecture Wi-Fi Network Elements How a Wi-Fi Network Works Wi-Fi Network Topologies Applications of Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Security Advantages/ Disadvantages of Wi-Fi

INTRODUCTION

Wireless Technology is an alternative to Wired Technology , which is commonly used, for connecting devices in wireless mode. Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a generic term that refers to the IEEE 802.11 communications standard for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). Wi-Fi Network connect computers to each other, to the internet and to the wired network.

The Wi-Fi Technology

Wi-Fi Networks use Radio Technologies to transmit & receive data at high speed . The name 802.1 comes from the IEEE committee that standardized it.

IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11a IEEE 802.11g

IEEE 802.11b
Appear in late 1999 Operates at 2.4GHz radio spectrum 11 Mbps (theoretical speed) - within 30 m Range 4-6 Mbps (actual speed) 100 -150 feet range Most popular, Least Expensive Interference from mobile phones and Bluetooth devices which can reduce the transmission speed.

IEEE 802.11a

Introduced in 2001 Operates at 5 GHz (less popular) 54 Mbps (theoretical speed) 15-20 Mbps (Actual speed) 50-75 feet range More expensive Not compatible with 802.11b

IEEE 802.11g
Introduced in 2003 Combine the feature of both standards (a,b) 100-150 feet range 54 Mbps Speed 2.4 GHz radio frequencies Compatible with b Use OFDM Technology

802.11 Physical Layer

There are three sub layers in physical layer:

Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) Frequency Hoping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) Diffused Infrared (DFIR) - Wide angle

DSSS

Direct sequence signaling technique divides the 2.4 GHz band into 11 22-MHz channels. Adjacent channels overlap one another partially, with three of the 11 being completely nonoverlapping. Data is sent across one of these 22 MHz channels without hopping to other channels.

IEEE 802.11 Data Link Layer

The data link layer consists of two sublayers :

Logical Link Control (LLC) Media Access Control (MAC). 802.11 uses the same 802.2 LLC and 48-bit addressing as other 802 LANs, allowing for very simple bridging from wireless to IEEE wired networks, but the MAC is unique to WLANs.

Elements of a WI-FI Network

Access Point (AP) - The AP is a wireless LAN transceiver or base station that can connect one or many wireless devices simultaneously to the Internet. Wi-Fi cards - They accept the wireless signal and relay information. They can be internal and external. (e.g PCMCIA Card for Laptop and PCI Card for Desktop PC) Safeguards - Firewalls and anti-virus software protect networks from uninvited users and keep information secure.

How a Wi-Fi Network Works

Basic concept is same as Walkie talkies. A Wi-Fi hotspot is created by installing an access point to an internet connection. An access point acts as a base station. When Wi-Fi enabled device encounters a hotspot the device can then connect to that network wirelessly. A single access point can support up to 30 users and can function within a range of 100 150 feet indoors and up to 300 feet outdoors. Many access points can be connected to each other via Ethernet cables to create a single large network.

Wi-Fi Network Topologies

AP-based topology (Infrastructure Mode) Peer-to-peer topology (Ad-hoc Mode) Point-to-multipoint bridge topology

AP-based topology

The client communicate through Access Point. BSA-RF coverage provided by an AP. ESA-It consists of 2 or more BSA. ESA cell includes 10-15% overlap to allow roaming.

Peer-to-peer TOPOLOGY

AP is not required. Client devices within a cell can communicate directly with each other. It is useful for setting up of a wireless network quickly and easily.

Point-to-multipoint bridge TOPOLOGY

This is used to connect a LAN in one building to a LANs in other buildings even if the buildings are miles apart.These conditions receive a clear line of sight between buildings. The line-of-sight range varies based on the type of wireless bridge and antenna used as well as the environmental conditions.

Wi-Fi CONFIGURATION

Wi-Fi CONFIGURATION

Wi-Fi CONFIGARATION

Wi-Fi APPLICATION

Home Small Businesses or SOHO Large Corporations & Campuses Health Care Wireless ISP (WISP) Travellers

Wi-Fi Security
The requirements for Wi-Fi network security can be broken down into two primary components: Authentication  User Authentication  Server Authentication Privacy

Wi-Fi Security Techniques

Service Set Identifier (SSID) Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) 802.1X Access Control Wireless Protected Access (WPA) IEEE 802.11i

ADVANTAGES

Mobility Ease of Installation Flexibility Cost Reliability Security Use unlicensed part of the radio spectrum Roaming Speed

LIMITATION

Interference Degradation in performance High power consumption Limited range

CONCLUSION


 

For now Wi-Fi provides broad band internet access to specially outfitted PCs and Laptops. But in future may be hotspots be wireless. By Wi-Fi our time and money are saved. The technologies have help Wi-Fi Hotspots are becoming more popular throught urban envirnment.

REFERENCE
  

www.Wi-Fitechnology.com www.webopedia.com www.wavewireless.com

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