Wireless Networking



Wireless Networking

Introduction

Networking enables two or more computer systems to connect with each other using wires. While wireless networking is done the connection of nodes without requiring a physical connection; this occurs through electromagnetic radio waves. One of the main advantages is remarkable reduction in costs by eliminating all cable and physical connections between nodes. But there is a considerable disadvantage since security should be much more demanding and robust to avoid intruders for this type of networking. Today, wireless networks are one of the most promising technologies widely used by people all around the world for networking purposes largely because the advancement of technology has allowed users to have high speed connections and made it easier to interconnect their equipment.

Discussion

Wireless networks are based on a link that uses electromagnetic waves (radio and infrared) instead of standard cabling. There are many different technologies that are differentiated by the transmission frequency used, and the extent and speed of their transmissions. This technology transmits data all the way through the open air, liberating the user from confined places. It is a solution of convenience, with the help of it laptop computers can be mobile, users in different places can have access to Internet, and office Intranets can become flexible and reorganizable. Wireless networks allow remote devices to connect with ease. Wireless network is a solution for use in homes and small offices where there is a need to link computers, printers, multimedia devices, game consoles and modems. Wireless devices eliminate the hassle of wiring and usage of cables (Zheng, 2010).

Types of Wireless Networks

The types of wireless networks depend on their scope, use and type of electromagnetic waves used. Following are the four types of wireless networks:

WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network)

This type of network is used with technologies such as HomeRF, Bluetooth, ZigBee and RFID. It is a short range personal network, using technologies that can connect mobile phones and computers home with a central controller. It is also used as domestic need for secure communications with low rates of data transmission and low consumption.

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

In local area networks wireless technologies can be found based on HiperLAN (High Performance Radio LAN), or technologies based on Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity).

WMAN (Wireless Metropolitan Area Network, Wireless MAN)

Technology that uses the most popular network is WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), a wireless communication standard based on IEEE 802.16. It is much like Wi-Fi, but has more coverage and bandwidth. Another example is LMDS (Local Multipoint Distribution Service).

WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network, Wireless WAN)

It is the network used for mobile phones of the second and third generation (UMTS) and GPRS phones (digital technology).

Structure

A wireless network is built around a switch (switch) wireless. This establishes the connection between the wired and wireless part (wireless) network. Often, the switch is built into a router. The router controls the traffic between two networks, such as home network and the Internet. In practice, the router usually also contain a DSL or cable modem to ...