Page 130 - DCAP311_DCAP607_WIRELESS_NETWORKS

Wireless Networks

Notes As the utility proceeds with its deployment, and as it expands the number of field workers
using wireless networking, it will need to rely on a hybrid set of approaches to address
their application needs. In some cases, the utility will run applications in their normal
LAN-based or modem-based modes. In other cases, the utility will take advantage of
wireless middleware products. And for other applications, a thin-client software approach
may be the most effective.

By using a strategy that includes an IP-based communications infrastructure and a flexible
computing platform, combining the various software approaches is completely feasible.
Such a strategy provides the utility, and any organization for that matter, maximum
flexibility when supporting both field workers with specific job functions and office
workers with more generalized computing needs.

Source: http://www.rysavy.com/Articles/WirelessIP_case_study/wirelessipcase.htm

7.7 Summary

Heinrich Herz discovered and first produced radio waves in 1888 and by 1894 the modern way
to send a message over telegraph wires was first conducted.
A wireless LAN (WLAN) provides network connectivity between devices, also known as stations,
by using radio as the communication medium.
Wireless LANs have many applications in the real world. They are frequently used to enhance a
wired network, not to completely replace them.
WLANs use radio, infrared and microwave transmission to transmit data from one point to
another without cables. Therefore WLAN offers way to build a Local Area Network without
cables.
There are many technologies that can be used to design a wireless LAN solution. Some of them
are discussed below.
Narrowband Technology
Spread Spectrum Technology
Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum Technology
Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum Technology
Infrared Technology
Wireless PANs don’t require much battery power to operate, making them ideal for small user
devices, such as audio headsets, cell phones, PDAs, game controls, GPS units, digital cameras,
and laptops.
Small office/home office (or single office/home office; SOHO) refers to the category of business
or cottage industry that involves from 1 to 10 workers.

7.8 Keywords

Wireless LAN (WLAN): provides network connectivity between devices, also known as stations,
by using radio as the communication medium.

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS): uses a narrowband carrier that changes frequency
in a pattern known to both transmitter and receiver.
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS): generates a redundant bit pattern for each bit to be
transmitted.
Narrowband Technology: In radio, narrowband describes a channel in which the bandwidth of
the message does not significantly exceed the channel’s coherence bandwidth.

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