A wireless network is a communication facility that uses radio as the carrier or physical layer. The basic network consists of several stations that communicate in a frequency range of 2.4 GHz and 4.9 GHz. Wireless networks are the most advanced technology and an alternative to such networks that are wired with physical copper or fiber cables optics. Such a network has its advantages and disadvantages, compared to a wired network. The main advantage of having a wireless network is its mobility and the elimination of cabling. The potential downside is interference due to weather, other wireless devices, or obstructions such as walls. It is gaining a lot of demand in both home and commercial applications.
Two-way radio communication operates on the High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) bands. The HF band runs from 3 to 30 MHz, with VHF in the 30 MHz to 300 MHz band, while UHF belongs to a 300 MHz and 3.0 GHz bandwidth.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is wireless connectivity limited to local area networks. It uses the same features as a wired system, such as a local area network (LAN). WLAN uses spread spectrum technology in radio waves for communication between devices within a limited area. This makes it easy for the user to move within the wide coverage area and still stay connected.
Mobile communication involves communication via the radio network. The most obvious example is the establishment of wireless connectivity between a mobile network and the mobile phone or mobile terminals. The connection between base stations and a mobile operator’s core network, in surprisingly high numbers, is via radio links. In addition, wireless local area networks (WLANs) are gaining tremendous growth in today’s market, with radio networks in the office, at home, and for public access. The basis of Fixed Wireless Broadband is formed by the combination of radio links and WLAN technologies, being a step from proprietary solutions to standard. Another example could be set, realizing that vendors have come up with a variety of solutions, where a single Internet connection can be used by more computers. All of this has one thing in common: computers must be networked.
Today we see the advent of seamless wireless data and voice communications. The key capability of next generation wireless communication would be Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which is part of WLAN. Quality of Service (QoS) is one of the planning issues in VoIP over WLAN. These topics are mainly call control, network capacity, provisioning, architecture and others. For the optimization of this network, the problems must be analyzed WLAN by WLAN. Meeting the requirements of the three main market segments is a challenge in itself in WLAN deployment parameters. These market segments are:
1. Residential, small office and home office applications.
2. Private networks in VoIP WLAN.
3. VoIP over WLAN that interfaces with the public telephone network.
The following are the benefits of WLAN technology:
There are situations where cable connectivity between stations becomes expensive, inconvenient or impossible. For example, the laying of cables becomes a very expensive proposition in a large building, where the stations are located.
To connect two buildings, separated by some physical, legal or financial obstacle, you can ask your telecommunication authority to provide you with the necessary links, or you can use the WLAN application for connectivity.
WLAN can be used as a temporary measure for communication, which is in place for a specific time only. For example, such a network is suitable for trade shows or conventions, where cabling for an Ethernet network becomes superfluous.
In certain buildings, governed by building codes, the laying of cables becomes illegal. WLAN finds a perfect application in that situation.
WLAN technology is very attractive for homeowners with multiple computers. A network could be set up without drilling holes in the wall and running cables for connectivity.
The owner of a mobile laptop can always stay connected to the network, whether he is in the corridor, lobbies, cafeterias, classrooms or in a meeting.
An easy way to stay connected to the Internet in public places.
Etc
If you’re in the middle of a public place, like the airport, a coffee shop, a library, or a hotel, chances are you’re already connected via a wireless network. An increasing number of cities are using Wi-Fi or 802.11 network technology to provide low-cost Internet service to residents. The time is coming when wireless networks will allow you to access the Internet anywhere, anytime, without the use of cables. Mobile operators have begun to provide such wireless Internet service, through a wireless network card, which goes into your laptop. This gives you mobility anywhere you go and even to parts of the world with a roaming account.
Wireless network security can be divided into two parts: authentication and encryption. While authentication mechanisms can be used to identify a client on the network and vice versa, encryption ensures that data being transmitted cannot be intercepted and decoded.
There are two main security issues in wireless networks:
1. Access – Provide appropriate access grants to selected people who can use the network, without which anyone in the immediate vicinity could gain access to your network.
2. Privacy – Making sure no one else can see your network. If this is not fixed, anyone nearby can see everything he does on the network.
The entire network is protected by an administrator password, which is required to log in to networked devices. Routers and access points on the network cannot be accessed without such strong passwords. As soon as a WLAN is set up, the first thing to do is change the default password to your own. Without such a password, the only way to access the network is to reset all hardware to its factory default settings.
WLAN continuously and automatically transmits the network name or service set identifier (SSID). SSID is the name given to your WLAN, and all devices on the WLAN use this name to communicate with each other. This process makes setting up wireless clients on the network extremely easy when locating your WLAN and on the other hand. this makes your network visible to anyone operating within range of your transmission. Disabling SSID broadcast would make your network invisible to others.
To enable a secure network, disable the remote management option. Most WLAN routers can be managed remotely over the Internet. This feature should only be used if the network allows you to define a specific IP address or a range of addresses, which could access the network management. It is recommended to keep the remote administration option disabled.
It will not be correct to say that your network is fully protected. It’s always possible for ‘snoopers’ to infiltrate your traffic. Some networks have been built and managed with more built-in security, but for both LAN and WLAN, we often wonder: how secure are we?
