Wireless

WirelessWireless

Presented byPresented by

John E. JanesJohn E. Janes

What is wireless?What is wireless?

Anything without wires!!Anything without wires!!

Common UsesCommon Uses

Cellular phones and pagers -- provide Cellular phones and pagers -- provide connectivity for portable and mobile connectivity for portable and mobile applications, both personal and businessapplications, both personal and business

Global Positioning System (GPS) -- allows Global Positioning System (GPS) -- allows drivers of cars and trucks, captains of drivers of cars and trucks, captains of boats and ships, and pilots of aircraft to boats and ships, and pilots of aircraft to ascertain their location anywhere on earthascertain their location anywhere on earth


Cordless computer peripherals -- the Cordless computer peripherals -- the cordless mouse is a common example; cordless mouse is a common example; keyboards and printers can also be linked keyboards and printers can also be linked to a computer via wirelessto a computer via wireless

Cordless telephone sets -- these are Cordless telephone sets -- these are limited-range devices, not to be confused limited-range devices, not to be confused with cell phoneswith cell phones


Home-entertainment-system control boxes Home-entertainment-system control boxes -- the VCR control and the TV channel -- the VCR control and the TV channel control are the most common examples; control are the most common examples; some hi-fi sound systems and FM broadcast some hi-fi sound systems and FM broadcast receivers also use this technologyreceivers also use this technology

Remote garage-door openers -- one of the Remote garage-door openers -- one of the oldest wireless devices in common use by oldest wireless devices in common use by consumers; usually operates at radio consumers; usually operates at radio frequenciesfrequencies


Two-way radios -- this includes Amateur Two-way radios -- this includes Amateur and Citizens Radio Service, as well as and Citizens Radio Service, as well as business, marine, and military business, marine, and military communicationscommunications

Baby monitors -- these devices are Baby monitors -- these devices are simplified radio transmitter/receiver units simplified radio transmitter/receiver units with limited rangewith limited range


Satellite television -- allows viewers in Satellite television -- allows viewers in almost any location to select from almost any location to select from hundreds of channelshundreds of channels

Wireless LANs or local area networks -- Wireless LANs or local area networks -- provide flexibility and reliability for provide flexibility and reliability for business computer users business computer users


Fixed wireless -- the operation of wireless Fixed wireless -- the operation of wireless devices or systems in homes and offices, devices or systems in homes and offices, and in particular, equipment connected to and in particular, equipment connected to the Internet via specialized modems the Internet via specialized modems

Mobile wireless -- the use of wireless Mobile wireless -- the use of wireless devices or systems aboard motorized, devices or systems aboard motorized, moving vehicles; examples include the moving vehicles; examples include the automotive cell phone and PCS (personal automotive cell phone and PCS (personal communications services) communications services)


Portable wireless -- the operation of Portable wireless -- the operation of autonomous, battery-powered wireless autonomous, battery-powered wireless devices or systems outside the office, devices or systems outside the office, home, or vehicle; examples include home, or vehicle; examples include handheld cell phones and PCS units handheld cell phones and PCS units

IR wireless -- the use of devices that IR wireless -- the use of devices that convey data via IR (infrared) radiation; convey data via IR (infrared) radiation; employed in certain limited-range employed in certain limited-range communications and control systems communications and control systems

DefinitionsDefinitions IEEEIEEE – (Institute of Electrical and Electronics – (Institute of Electrical and Electronics

Engineers). An organization composed of Engineers). An organization composed of engineers, scientists and students best known engineers, scientists and students best known for developing standards for the computer and for developing standards for the computer and electronics industry – in particular the IEEE 802 electronics industry – in particular the IEEE 802 standards for Local Area Networks. standards for Local Area Networks.

PDAPDA – Personal Digital Assistants. – Personal Digital Assistants. Communications devices that often incorporate Communications devices that often incorporate a multitude of services & functions such as a multitude of services & functions such as contacts, email, calendaring, paging, phone contacts, email, calendaring, paging, phone services, web browsing, multi-media services services, web browsing, multi-media services and access to enterprise applications.and access to enterprise applications.

DefinitionsDefinitions SSHSSH – Secure Shell. A program designed to – Secure Shell. A program designed to

allow users to log into another computer over a allow users to log into another computer over a network to execute commands on that computer network to execute commands on that computer and to move files to and from that computer. and to move files to and from that computer. SSH encrypts everything it sends across the SSH encrypts everything it sends across the network.network.

SSIDSSID – Service Set Identifier. A unique identifier – Service Set Identifier. A unique identifier attached to the header of packets sent over a attached to the header of packets sent over a wireless LAN that acts as a password when a wireless LAN that acts as a password when a mobile device tries to connect to a wireless mobile device tries to connect to a wireless receiver. Sometimes referred to as the Network receiver. Sometimes referred to as the Network Name.Name.

DefinitionsDefinitions SSLSSL – Secure Socket Layer. An information technology – Secure Socket Layer. An information technology

for securely transmitting information over the internet or for securely transmitting information over the internet or intranet. SSL encrypts communications between a user’s intranet. SSL encrypts communications between a user’s browser and a web server.browser and a web server.

VLANVLAN – Virtual Local Area Network. A collection of – Virtual Local Area Network. A collection of nodes that are grouped together in a single broadcast nodes that are grouped together in a single broadcast domain that is based on something other than physical domain that is based on something other than physical location. A logical grouping of stations and/or switch location. A logical grouping of stations and/or switch ports, allowing communcations as if all stations/ports are ports, allowing communcations as if all stations/ports are on the same physical LAN segment. VLANs reduce on the same physical LAN segment. VLANs reduce broadcast traffic and allow more control in implementing broadcast traffic and allow more control in implementing security policies.security policies.

DefinitionsDefinitions VPNVPN – Virtual Private Network. A group of two or – Virtual Private Network. A group of two or

more computer systems connected to a private more computer systems connected to a private network with limited public network access that network with limited public network access that communicates securely over a public network, communicates securely over a public network, such as the internet. VPNs include encryption, such as the internet. VPNs include encryption, authentication of remote users/hosts and authentication of remote users/hosts and mechanisms for hiding or masking information mechanisms for hiding or masking information about private network topology from potential about private network topology from potential attackers on the public network.attackers on the public network.

WEPWEP – Wired Equivalency Privacy. A security – Wired Equivalency Privacy. A security protocol for wireless local area networks defined protocol for wireless local area networks defined in the 802.11b standard.in the 802.11b standard.

DefinitionsDefinitions

WI-FI AllianceWI-FI Alliance – A non-profit international – A non-profit international association formed in 1999 to certify association formed in 1999 to certify interoperability of wireless LAN products interoperability of wireless LAN products based on the IEEE 802.11 specification.based on the IEEE 802.11 specification.

Access Point or APAccess Point or AP – a device that – a device that provides radio signal connectivity for provides radio signal connectivity for wireless LAN clients and a wired network wireless LAN clients and a wired network connection, bridging the wireless and wire-connection, bridging the wireless and wire-line networks.line networks.


Wireless ClientWireless Client – a network node using – a network node using wireless radio signaling to reach a network wireless radio signaling to reach a network through an association with a wireless AP.through an association with a wireless AP.

Wireless NetworkWireless Network – one in which a – one in which a mobile user can connect to a local area mobile user can connect to a local area network through a wireless (radio) network through a wireless (radio) connection. connection.


Global System for Mobile Communication Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) -- a digital mobile telephone system (GSM) -- a digital mobile telephone system used in Europe and other parts of the world; used in Europe and other parts of the world; the de facto wireless telephone standard in the de facto wireless telephone standard in EuropeEurope

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) -- a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) -- a packet-based wireless communication service packet-based wireless communication service that provides continuous connection to the that provides continuous connection to the Internet for mobile phone and computer usersInternet for mobile phone and computer users


Enhanced Data GSM Environment Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE) -- a faster version of the Global (EDGE) -- a faster version of the Global System for Mobile (GSM) wireless serviceSystem for Mobile (GSM) wireless service

Universal Mobile Telecommunications Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) -- a broadband, packet-System (UMTS) -- a broadband, packet-based system offering a consistent set of based system offering a consistent set of services to mobile computer and phone services to mobile computer and phone users no matter where they are located in users no matter where they are located in the worldthe world


Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) -- a set of Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) -- a set of communication protocols to standardize the way communication protocols to standardize the way that wireless devices, such as cellular that wireless devices, such as cellular telephones and radio transceivers, can be used telephones and radio transceivers, can be used for Internet accessfor Internet access

i-Mode i-Mode ((NNTT DoTT DoCCoMo’s “language”)oMo’s “language”) -- the -- the world's first "smart phone" for Web browsing, world's first "smart phone" for Web browsing, first introduced in Japan; provides color and first introduced in Japan; provides color and video over telephone setsvideo over telephone sets


BBlueToolueTootth (oh (open standard for short-pen standard for short-distance transmission of digital voice & distance transmission of digital voice & datadata))

CDMA (CDMA (Code Division Multiple AccessCode Division Multiple Access))


1G (first Generation) 1G (first Generation) wireless: analog cell wireless: analog cell phonesphones - - AMPS, TACS and NMTAMPS, TACS and NMT Advanced Mobile Phone ServiceAdvanced Mobile Phone Service Total Access Communication System Total Access Communication System Nordic Mobile Telephone Nordic Mobile Telephone

2G2G (second Generation) (second Generation) wireless: digital cell wireless: digital cell phonesphones - - GSM, TDMA and CDMA GSM, TDMA and CDMA Global System for Mobile communicationsGlobal System for Mobile communications Time Division Multiple Access Time Division Multiple Access Code Division Multiple AccessCode Division Multiple Access


CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data) an overlay of CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data) an overlay of the TDMA networks – enables TCP/IP; sometimes the TDMA networks – enables TCP/IP; sometimes called wireless IPcalled wireless IP

2.5G, 2G+2.5G, 2G+ Interim stage between 2G and 3G, Interim stage between 2G and 3G, providing faster data servicesproviding faster data services – GPRS, EDGE – GPRS, EDGE General Packet Radio Service General Packet Radio Service Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution

3G includes 3G includes UMTSUMTS, , cdma2000cdma2000 and NTT and NTT DoCoMoDoCoMo UUniversal Mobile Telecommunications System niversal Mobile Telecommunications System


PAN (Personal Area Network) – small PAN (Personal Area Network) – small networksnetworks

m-commerce – mobile commerce (buzzword)m-commerce – mobile commerce (buzzword) BREW (Binary Runtime Environment for BREW (Binary Runtime Environment for

Wireless) new language from Qualcomm, Wireless) new language from Qualcomm, similar to WAPsimilar to WAP

XML (eXtensible Markup Language) – similar XML (eXtensible Markup Language) – similar to HTML, but it separates content between to HTML, but it separates content between data (a name, a price, a date) and format data (a name, a price, a date) and format (bold, italics, header, body of document)(bold, italics, header, body of document)


IR (Infra Red) – used by PDA’s and IR (Infra Red) – used by PDA’s and GameBoysGameBoys

Digital – Digital – information turned into binary information turned into binary formform (0’s and 1’s) (0’s and 1’s) can be electronically can be electronically manipulated, preserved and manipulated, preserved and regenerated perfectly at high speedregenerated perfectly at high speed

Analog – Analog – A representation of an object A representation of an object that resembles the originalthat resembles the original, with each , with each copy, deterioration occurscopy, deterioration occurs

The ABGs of WirelessThe ABGs of Wireless As you shop for wireless equipment, you'll be As you shop for wireless equipment, you'll be

faced with a choice of equipment compatible faced with a choice of equipment compatible with the slew of wireless network standards--with the slew of wireless network standards--namely 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. Here's namely 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. Here's the skinny: the skinny: 802.11 is a family of specifications for wireless 802.11 is a family of specifications for wireless

networks developed by the IEEE. There are currently networks developed by the IEEE. There are currently four specifications in the family: 802.11, 802.11a, four specifications in the family: 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g. 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g 802.11b and 802.11g. 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g represent three popular wireless communication represent three popular wireless communication standards. Wireless networks can be built using any standards. Wireless networks can be built using any of the three, but 802.11a is less compatible with the of the three, but 802.11a is less compatible with the others and tends to be a more expensive option others and tends to be a more expensive option implemented only by larger businesses. implemented only by larger businesses.

The ABGs of WirelessThe ABGs of Wireless

The 802.11a standard offers data The 802.11a standard offers data speeds up to 54 mbps, but it isn't speeds up to 54 mbps, but it isn't compatible with 802.11b or 802.11g compatible with 802.11b or 802.11g devices. It uses the FCC unlicensed devices. It uses the FCC unlicensed 5GHz National Information Infrastructure 5GHz National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) band(U-NII) band..


The 802.11b standard has been around since The 802.11b standard has been around since 1998 and is by far the most widely used 1998 and is by far the most widely used wireless network standard today. As a result, wireless network standard today. As a result, equipment based on 802.11b is generally less equipment based on 802.11b is generally less expensive than 802.11a and the newer expensive than 802.11a and the newer 802.11g devices. And you're less likely to 802.11g devices. And you're less likely to experience compatibility issues with 802.11b-experience compatibility issues with 802.11b-based wireless equipment. It uses the FCC based wireless equipment. It uses the FCC unlicensed 2.4GHz Industrial, Scientific, unlicensed 2.4GHz Industrial, Scientific, Medical (ISM) band. Medical (ISM) band.


The newer 802.11g standards offer faster The newer 802.11g standards offer faster data transfer speeds than 802.11b. It uses data transfer speeds than 802.11b. It uses the FCC unlicensed 2.4GHz Industrial, the FCC unlicensed 2.4GHz Industrial, Scientific, Medical (ISM) band.Scientific, Medical (ISM) band.


Consider this: A wireless network using Consider this: A wireless network using 802.11b equipment is supposed to deliver 802.11b equipment is supposed to deliver data transfer rates up to 11 megabits per data transfer rates up to 11 megabits per second. But a recent ComScore Networks second. But a recent ComScore Networks study found that the average data transfer study found that the average data transfer speed of a cable modem is 708 kilobits per speed of a cable modem is 708 kilobits per second and the average DSL speed is only second and the average DSL speed is only 467 kbps. Without delving for too much 467 kbps. Without delving for too much precision, that means 802.11b is more than precision, that means 802.11b is more than 15 times faster than cable and 23 times faster 15 times faster than cable and 23 times faster than DSL.than DSL.


Offering data transfer rates up to 54 mbps, Offering data transfer rates up to 54 mbps, 802.11g is essentially a faster version of 802.11g is essentially a faster version of 802.11b. Devices based on the new 802.11g 802.11b. Devices based on the new 802.11g standard are compatible with 802.11b standard are compatible with 802.11b equipment. If you buy an 802.11g network equipment. If you buy an 802.11g network adapter card for your laptop, for instance, it adapter card for your laptop, for instance, it will work with 802.11g devices as well as will work with 802.11g devices as well as 802.11b-based wireless networks, such as 802.11b-based wireless networks, such as those served up at Starbucks, though at the those served up at Starbucks, though at the slower speed, of course.slower speed, of course.


Both 802.11g and 802.11b devices share the Both 802.11g and 802.11b devices share the same radio spectrum as 2.4-GHz portable same radio spectrum as 2.4-GHz portable phones and microwave ovens, which may phones and microwave ovens, which may cause some slight network interference. For cause some slight network interference. For instance, if you're wirelessly transmitting instance, if you're wirelessly transmitting multimedia files, such as MP3s, from your multimedia files, such as MP3s, from your computer to your stereo set, you may notice computer to your stereo set, you may notice some dropped notes on occasion. Otherwise, some dropped notes on occasion. Otherwise, though, you probably won't experience any though, you probably won't experience any truly noticeable interference.truly noticeable interference.


Also worth noting: 802.11a typically Also worth noting: 802.11a typically offers a range of only 200 feet, offers a range of only 200 feet, compared with the 300-foot range of compared with the 300-foot range of 802.11b and 802.11g devices. (As with 802.11b and 802.11g devices. (As with any Wi-Fi network equipment, the any Wi-Fi network equipment, the farther you roam from a wireless access farther you roam from a wireless access point, the weaker the signal and the point, the weaker the signal and the slower your connection speed.)slower your connection speed.)


Does anyone really need the faster Does anyone really need the faster speeds that 802.11a and 802.11g offer? speeds that 802.11a and 802.11g offer? If you're interested in installing a If you're interested in installing a wireless home media network to send wireless home media network to send streaming video and audio from one streaming video and audio from one device to another, the answer is yes. device to another, the answer is yes. Large media files need all the bandwidth Large media files need all the bandwidth they can get. they can get.


If you want to hedge your bets, consider If you want to hedge your bets, consider buying dual-band wireless networking buying dual-band wireless networking equipment. These devices support both equipment. These devices support both the 802.11a and 802.11g (and thus, the 802.11a and 802.11g (and thus, 802.11b) standards but are generally more 802.11b) standards but are generally more expensive.expensive.


And now 802.11nAnd now 802.11n not official yet but 802.11n is likely to be the designation of a not official yet but 802.11n is likely to be the designation of a

high-throughput variant of the 802.11 standard. the primary high-throughput variant of the 802.11 standard. the primary concern here being real world performance vs theoretical concern here being real world performance vs theoretical throughput.throughput.

ie: 802.11b is 11M/bits/s, but due to overhead the actual, real ie: 802.11b is 11M/bits/s, but due to overhead the actual, real world performance is only ~5.5Mbits/s. now 5.5 is plenty fast world performance is only ~5.5Mbits/s. now 5.5 is plenty fast (around 3.5 T1's), but in a world of Voice over IP (VoIP) that is (around 3.5 T1's), but in a world of Voice over IP (VoIP) that is only ~90 calls at a time... so in larger implementations where you only ~90 calls at a time... so in larger implementations where you have high client density 802.11a,g,n would prove critical in have high client density 802.11a,g,n would prove critical in supporting heavy usage by hundreds of clients... this would be supporting heavy usage by hundreds of clients... this would be important for say an ISP setup.important for say an ISP setup.

so 802.11n is proposed to run with a real world performance of so 802.11n is proposed to run with a real world performance of at least 108Mbits/s... now that is what i call industrial strength...at least 108Mbits/s... now that is what i call industrial strength...

Wireless Terms & JargonWireless Terms & Jargon

What is a WLAN?What is a WLAN? a "typical" wireless home network. That's a "typical" wireless home network. That's

because a WLAN is a wireless LAN, and a because a WLAN is a wireless LAN, and a LAN is a related group of networked LAN is a related group of networked computers situated in close physical proximity computers situated in close physical proximity to each other. LANs can be found in many to each other. LANs can be found in many homes, schools, and businesses. Though it's homes, schools, and businesses. Though it's technically possible to have more than one technically possible to have more than one LAN in your home, few do this in practice. LAN in your home, few do this in practice.


What is Wi-Fi?What is Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is an industry name used to market wireless Wi-Fi is an industry name used to market wireless

networking products. You'll find a black-and-white Wi-networking products. You'll find a black-and-white Wi-Fi logo or certification emblem on virtually any new Fi logo or certification emblem on virtually any new wireless equipment you buy. Technically speaking, wireless equipment you buy. Technically speaking, Wi-Fi signifies conformance to the 802.11 family of Wi-Fi signifies conformance to the 802.11 family of wireless communication standards. But because all wireless communication standards. But because all mainstream wireless home network gear uses the mainstream wireless home network gear uses the 802.11 standards today, basically the term "Wi-Fi" 802.11 standards today, basically the term "Wi-Fi" merely distinguishes wireless equipment from other merely distinguishes wireless equipment from other network gear. network gear.


What are WEP?What are WEP? WEP is an important feature of wireless networks WEP is an important feature of wireless networks

designed to improve security. WEP scrambles designed to improve security. WEP scrambles (technically speaking, encrypts) network traffic (technically speaking, encrypts) network traffic mathematically so that other computers can mathematically so that other computers can understand it, but humans cannot read it. WEP helps understand it, but humans cannot read it. WEP helps protect your WLAN from wardrivers and nosy protect your WLAN from wardrivers and nosy neighbors, and today, all popular wireless equipment neighbors, and today, all popular wireless equipment supports it. Because WEP is a feature that can be supports it. Because WEP is a feature that can be turned "on" or "off," you'll simply need to ensure it is turned "on" or "off," you'll simply need to ensure it is configured properly when setting up your network. configured properly when setting up your network.


What is WPA?What is WPA? Short for Short for WWi-Fi i-Fi PProtected rotected AAccessccess, a Wi-Fi standard , a Wi-Fi standard

that was designed to improve upon the security that was designed to improve upon the security features of WEP. The technology is designed to work features of WEP. The technology is designed to work with existing Wi-Fi products that have been enabled with existing Wi-Fi products that have been enabled with WEP (i.e., as a software upgrade to existing with WEP (i.e., as a software upgrade to existing hardware), but the technology includes two hardware), but the technology includes two improvements over WEP: improvements over WEP:

• Improved data encryption through the temporal key integrity Improved data encryption through the temporal key integrity protocol (TKIP). TKIP scrambles the keys using a hashing protocol (TKIP). TKIP scrambles the keys using a hashing algorithm and, by adding an integrity-checking feature, algorithm and, by adding an integrity-checking feature, ensures that the keys haven’t been tampered with. ensures that the keys haven’t been tampered with.


What is WPA?What is WPA?• User authentication, which is generally missing in WEP, User authentication, which is generally missing in WEP,

through the extensible authentication protocol (EAP). WEP through the extensible authentication protocol (EAP). WEP regulates access to a wireless network based on a regulates access to a wireless network based on a computer’s hardware-specific MAC address, which is computer’s hardware-specific MAC address, which is relatively simple to be sniffed out and stolen. EAP is built on relatively simple to be sniffed out and stolen. EAP is built on a more secure public-key encryption system to ensure that a more secure public-key encryption system to ensure that only authorized network users can access the network. only authorized network users can access the network.

It should be noted that WPA is an interim standard It should be noted that WPA is an interim standard that will be replaced with the IEEE’s 802.11i standard that will be replaced with the IEEE’s 802.11i standard upon its completion.upon its completion.


What are Wardriving?What are Wardriving? A few years ago, some techies popularized the A few years ago, some techies popularized the

practice of wardriving to raise awareness of this practice of wardriving to raise awareness of this vulnerability in WLANs. With the help of cheap, home-vulnerability in WLANs. With the help of cheap, home-made equipment, "wardrivers" walked or motored made equipment, "wardrivers" walked or motored through neighborhoods snooping the wireless network through neighborhoods snooping the wireless network traffic emanating from nearby homes. Some traffic emanating from nearby homes. Some wardrivers even logged their computers onto wardrivers even logged their computers onto unsuspecting people's home WLANs, essentially unsuspecting people's home WLANs, essentially stealing free computer resources and Internet access. stealing free computer resources and Internet access.


Wireless Network AdaptersWireless Network Adapters Each computer you wish to connect to a WLAN must Each computer you wish to connect to a WLAN must

possess a wireless network adapter. Wireless possess a wireless network adapter. Wireless adapters are sometimes also called NICs, short for adapters are sometimes also called NICs, short for Network Interface Cards. Wireless adapters for Network Interface Cards. Wireless adapters for desktop computers are often small PCI cards or desktop computers are often small PCI cards or sometimes card-like USB adapters. Wireless adapters sometimes card-like USB adapters. Wireless adapters for notebook computers resemble a thick credit card. for notebook computers resemble a thick credit card. Nowadays, though, an increasing number of wireless Nowadays, though, an increasing number of wireless adapters are not cards but rather small chips adapters are not cards but rather small chips embedded inside notebook or handheld computers. embedded inside notebook or handheld computers.


Wireless Network AdaptersWireless Network Adapters Wireless network adapters contain a radio transmitter Wireless network adapters contain a radio transmitter

and receiver (transceiver). Wireless transceivers send and receiver (transceiver). Wireless transceivers send and receive messages, translating, formatting, and and receive messages, translating, formatting, and generally organizing the flow of information between generally organizing the flow of information between the computer and the network. Determining how the computer and the network. Determining how many wireless network adapters you need to buy is many wireless network adapters you need to buy is the first critical step in building your home network. the first critical step in building your home network. Check the technical specifications of your computers Check the technical specifications of your computers if you're unsure whether they contain built-in wireless if you're unsure whether they contain built-in wireless adapter chips. adapter chips.

Wireless Terms & JargonWireless Terms & Jargon Wireless Access PointsWireless Access Points

A wireless access point serves as the central WLAN A wireless access point serves as the central WLAN communication station. In fact, they are sometimes communication station. In fact, they are sometimes called "base stations." Access points are thin, called "base stations." Access points are thin, lightweight boxes with a series of LED lights on the lightweight boxes with a series of LED lights on the face. face.

Access points join a wireless LAN to a pre-existing Access points join a wireless LAN to a pre-existing wired Ethernet network. Home networkers typically wired Ethernet network. Home networkers typically install an access point when they already own a install an access point when they already own a broadband router and want to add wireless computers broadband router and want to add wireless computers to their current setup. You must use either an access to their current setup. You must use either an access point or a wireless router to implement "hybrid" point or a wireless router to implement "hybrid" wired/wireless home networking. Otherwise, you wired/wireless home networking. Otherwise, you probably don't need an access point. probably don't need an access point.


Wireless RoutersWireless Routers A wireless router is a wireless access A wireless router is a wireless access

point with several other useful functions point with several other useful functions added. Like wired broadband routers, added. Like wired broadband routers, wireless routers also support Internet wireless routers also support Internet connection sharing and include firewall connection sharing and include firewall technology for improved network technology for improved network security. Wireless routers closely security. Wireless routers closely resemble access points. resemble access points.


Wireless RoutersWireless Routers A key benefit of both wireless routers and A key benefit of both wireless routers and

access points is access points is scalabilityscalability. Their strong . Their strong built-in transceivers are designed to spread a built-in transceivers are designed to spread a wireless signal throughout the home. A home wireless signal throughout the home. A home WLAN with a router or access point can better WLAN with a router or access point can better reach corner rooms and backyards, for reach corner rooms and backyards, for example, than one without. Likewise, home example, than one without. Likewise, home wireless networks with a router or access wireless networks with a router or access point support many more computers than point support many more computers than those without one.those without one.


Wireless AntennasWireless Antennas Wireless network adapters, access points, and Wireless network adapters, access points, and

routers all utilize an antenna to assist in receiving routers all utilize an antenna to assist in receiving signals on the WLAN. Some wireless antennas, like signals on the WLAN. Some wireless antennas, like those on adapters, are internal to the unit. Other those on adapters, are internal to the unit. Other antennas, like those on many access points, are antennas, like those on many access points, are externally visible. The normal antennas shipped with externally visible. The normal antennas shipped with wireless products provide sufficient reception in most wireless products provide sufficient reception in most cases, but you can also usually install an optional, cases, but you can also usually install an optional, add-on antenna to improve reception. You generally add-on antenna to improve reception. You generally won't know whether you'll need this piece of won't know whether you'll need this piece of equipment until after you finish your basic network equipment until after you finish your basic network setup. setup.


Wireless Signal BoostersWireless Signal Boosters Some manufacturers of wireless access Some manufacturers of wireless access

points and routers also sell a small piece of points and routers also sell a small piece of equipment called a signal booster. Installed equipment called a signal booster. Installed together with a wireless access point or together with a wireless access point or router, a signal booster serves to increase the router, a signal booster serves to increase the strength of the base station transmitter. It's strength of the base station transmitter. It's possible to use signal boosters and add-on possible to use signal boosters and add-on antennas together, to improve both wireless antennas together, to improve both wireless network transmission and reception network transmission and reception simultaneously. simultaneously.


A New Wireless Revolution: Enter The A New Wireless Revolution: Enter The WiMAX ZoneWiMAX Zone

A new revolution is coming down the pike: WiMAX. Why would A new revolution is coming down the pike: WiMAX. Why would you want WiMAX? Well, they chose the name correctly, as it's you want WiMAX? Well, they chose the name correctly, as it's Wi-Fi "to the max". This new standard makes Wi-Fi look puny: Wi-Fi "to the max". This new standard makes Wi-Fi look puny: 25x broadband speed (75Mbps), and a maximum range of a 25x broadband speed (75Mbps), and a maximum range of a whopping 30 miles. (Your mileage may vary) It goes through whopping 30 miles. (Your mileage may vary) It goes through walls, trees, clouds and does not need line of sight. But it isn't walls, trees, clouds and does not need line of sight. But it isn't long distance Wi-Fi. The two standards are not compatible, so long distance Wi-Fi. The two standards are not compatible, so that means completely new hardware. If you want to use both that means completely new hardware. If you want to use both you'd need a WAP that supports both. The official name of this you'd need a WAP that supports both. The official name of this one is 802.16 and it operates below 11GHz. You can pretty one is 802.16 and it operates below 11GHz. You can pretty much expect a second WiMax wave starting in 2006, leading to much expect a second WiMax wave starting in 2006, leading to a Billion dollar market in 2008. a Billion dollar market in 2008.

Wireless Terms & JargonWireless Terms & Jargon A New Wireless Revolution: Enter The A New Wireless Revolution: Enter The

WiMAX ZoneWiMAX Zone Is this tested technology? Yes, some of the big phone Is this tested technology? Yes, some of the big phone

companies in Europe are testing this and some companies in Europe are testing this and some wireless service providers have WiMax networks up in wireless service providers have WiMax networks up in New Your City and Montana. But it's "fixed" to start New Your City and Montana. But it's "fixed" to start with, mobile will come a lot later. Expect this to with, mobile will come a lot later. Expect this to compete with current Wi-Fi hotspots, but now you'll compete with current Wi-Fi hotspots, but now you'll see a whole city being covered with just a few of see a whole city being covered with just a few of these access points, think 2007. Don't think it's the these access points, think 2007. Don't think it's the only new standard though. There are other people out only new standard though. There are other people out there pushing other stuff. But WiMAX is backed by there pushing other stuff. But WiMAX is backed by Intel. Intel.

Wireless Terms & JargonWireless Terms & Jargon BlueTooth - What it is?BlueTooth - What it is?

Whereas wi-fi is a LAN (local area networking) technology, Whereas wi-fi is a LAN (local area networking) technology, BlueTooth is known as PAN (personal area networking) BlueTooth is known as PAN (personal area networking) technology. The distance range is much less, about 33 feet. technology. The distance range is much less, about 33 feet. BlueTooth is generally used to connect devices that are within BlueTooth is generally used to connect devices that are within the same room or close by. For example, you can use it to the same room or close by. For example, you can use it to connect your PDA to a BlueTooth enabled phone or you can connect your PDA to a BlueTooth enabled phone or you can print to BlueTooth enabled printers (without wires). Like 802.11b, print to BlueTooth enabled printers (without wires). Like 802.11b, BlueTooth is an RF (Radio Frequency) wireless technology that BlueTooth is an RF (Radio Frequency) wireless technology that operates on the 2.4GHz band. However, BlueTooth and wi-fi operates on the 2.4GHz band. However, BlueTooth and wi-fi devices can usually operate in the same vicinity without devices can usually operate in the same vicinity without interference, and do not communicate with each other. interference, and do not communicate with each other.

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