Page 11 - DCAP311_DCAP607_WIRELESS_NETWORKS

Unit 1: Introduction to Wireless Networks

Self-Assessment Notes

Fill in the blanks:
1. ....................... is a moderate-range, moderate-speed technology based on Ethernet

2. Wireless networking hardware requires the use of underlying technology that deals with
radio frequencies as well as.....................................
3. .................................is the most significant change in the wireless LAN world since the
adoption of the original standard in 1997.
4. The ....................................... is a professional organization of electrical engineers that has
organized a highly successful and unique standards making activity.
1.3 Wireless Networks Applications

The various wireless application networks are as follows:

1.3.1 Internet Access

If you’ve been in an airport, coffee shop, library or hotel recently, chances are you’ve been right
in the middle of a wireless network. Many people also use wireless networking, also called WiFi
or 802.11 networking, to connect their computers at home, and some cities are trying to use the
technology to provide free or low-cost Internet access to residents. In the near future, wireless
networking may become so widespread that you can access the Internet just about anywhere at
any time, without using wires.
WiFi has a lot of advantages. Wireless networks are easy to set up and inexpensive. They’re also
unobtrusive – unless you’re on the lookout for a place to watch streaming movies on your tablet,
you may not even notice when you’re in a hotspot.

1.3.2 Voice over Wireless

VoWLAN (Voice over Wireless LAN) is the use of a wireless broadband network according to
the IEEE 802.11 standards for the purpose of vocal conversation. In essence, it’s VoIP over a Wi-Fi
network. In most cases, the Wi-Fi network and voice components supporting the voice system
are privately owned.
VoWLAN can be conducted over any Internet accessible device, including a laptop, PDA or the
new VoWLAN units which look and function like DECT and cellphones. Just like for IP-DECT,
the VoWLAN’s main advantages to consumers are cheaper local and international calls, free calls
to other VoWLAN units and a simplified integrated billing of both phone and Internet service
providers.
Although VoWLAN and 3G have certain feature similarities, VoWLAN is different in the sense
that it uses a wireless internet network (typically 802.11) rather than a Cellular network. Both
VoWLAN and 3G are used in different ways, although with a Femtocell the two can deliver
similar service to users and can be considered alternatives.
A company with fixed warehouses or locations would take advantage of their existing WiFi
network and use VoIP (hence VoWLAN) for employees to communicate with one another. This
system can also be used like Land Mobile Radio System or Walkie-talkie systems with push to
talk and emergency broadcast channels.
Another example would be a company that has mobile workers very much like the FedEx
delivery person or the CocaCola delivery driver who delivers goods to a store. These workers

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