Wireless Network

Introduction

Wireless network is indicated to a telecommunication network whose interconnections between nodes are implemented without the use of wires, such a computer network. Nowadays, wireless network has become the important thing in telecommunication. This sort of technology has been used for over a century and remains synonymous with radio. In 19th century, Guglielmo Marconi invented a radio and made his made his mark in the world of wireless technology.

At that moment, Marconi was about to produce detect radio waves from long distance. In 1896, the Wireless Telegraph and Signal Company Limited was established and became the first radio actor in the world. The first wireless signal was sent using Morse Code. Signals were received across the Atlantic in 1905. However, this kind of technology was first introduced during World War II when the army began to sending battle plans over enemy lines and when Navy ships commanded their crew from shore to shore.

As the time goes by, wireless network proved its functions and advantages so businesses and schools have expand their computing arena by improving their wires LAN (local area networks) into wireless LANs. Therefore, wireless technology revolves in every house, classroom and business around the world.

This paper will discuss the type of wireless network, the function, how wireless should be implemented, pros and cons of having wireless network wireless, how this wireless can be managed, what the security issues of wireless technology, when it is to be implemented in institution, and how this can be monitored and controlled.

The Types of Wireless Network

The following are the types of wireless network:

1. CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data) is a specification for supporting wireless access to the internet and other public packet-switched networks over cellular telephone networks. CDPD supports TCP/IP and Connectionless Network Protocol (CLNP). CDPD utilizes the RC4 stream cipher with 40 bit keys for encryption.

2. HSCSD (High Speed Circuit Switched Data is a specification for data transfer over GSM networks. HSCSD utilizes up to four 9.6Kb or 14.4Kb time slots, for a total bandwidth of 38.4Kb or 57.6Kb.

3. PDC-P (Packet Data Cellular) is a packet switching message system utilized by NTT DoCoMo in Japan. PDC-P utilizes up to three 9.6Kb TDMA channels, for a total maximum bandwidth of 28.8Kb.

4. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a specification for data transfer on TDMA and GSM networks. GPRS utilizes up to eight 9.05Kb or 13.4Kb TDMA timeslots, for a total bandwidth of 72.4Kb or 107.2Kb. GPRS supports both TCP/IP and X.25 communications.

5. CDMA-2000 1xRTT is a 3G wireless technology based on the CDMA platform. The 1x in 1xRTT refers to 1x the number of 1.25MHz channels. The RTT in 1xRTT stands for Radio Transmission Technology.

6. Bluetooth is a specification for short distance wireless communication between two devices.

7. IrDA defines a standard for an interoperable universal two way cordless infrared light transmission data port.

8. MMDS (Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service) is a broadband wireless point-to-multipoint specification utilizing UHF (Ultra High Frequency) communications.

9. LMDS (Local Multipoint Distribution Service) is a broadband wireless point-to-multipoint specification utilizing microwave communications.

10. WiMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. WiMAX is a broadband wireless point-to-multipoint specification from the IEEE 802.16 working group.

11. Wi-Fi (802.11) is a suite of specifications for wireless Ethernet. 802.11 securities is a significant concern because 802.11 (Wi-Fi) networks can allow almost undetectable entry into networks.

Technology

In implementing Wi-Fi, we have to consider the speed, range, clarity of the signal, price and compatibility. The following are the types of Wi-Fi:

Figure1. Wi-Fi

1. 802.11a

The standard 802.11a is not very popular among small business or home networks. However, it has become popular among corporate users. The maximum speed of 802.11a is 54 mega bytes per second. 802.11a distribute a range of approximately 33 meters or about 100 feet. This standard uses much frequency and high frequencies have their limitations. It does not break through the walls as good as lower frequencies and they require need more energy to power the devices. The clarity of signal is normally good and less interference than the other 802.11 standards. The cost for 802.11a is more expensive than both 802.11b and 802.11g. However, it is very worth because it provides the great speed. 802.11a is not compatible with other types of standard. The users have to have the Wi-Fi card to receive the 802.11a signals.

2. 802.11b

802.11b is the type of standard that is less expensive, faster, and easier to use than the other kind of standard. This technology includes a wireless router that is able to send radio signals over the air to other computers or electronic devices. Generally, Wi-Fi router is connected to computer server or broadband internet connection. 802.11b can distribute speeds up to 11 mega bytes per second. This standard delivers a signal for about 50 meters (150 feet). The range depends on the area and condition whether you are in an apartment building, having your router on another floor than your computer or being in open area. 802.11b has the good signal because it has the lower frequencies, so it will be able to move through the walls and other obstacle. The cost expended for this technology is affordable.

3. 802.11g

802.11g uses a 2.4 to 2.5 gigahertz radio frequency to send and receive data from one device to another. Most people are using this standard to build the connection either in their business, home use or internet access art a cafй. The maximum speed of 802.11g is 54 mega bytes per second. 802.11g delivers a range about 33 meters or 100 feet. The signal is generally clear and interference free. In addition, the signal can break through the walls or other building obstruction due