Page 45 - DCAP311_DCAP607_WIRELESS_NETWORKS

Unit 2: Wireless System Architecture

2.4 Summary Notes

Wireless networks utilize components similar to wired networks; however, wireless networks
must convert information signals into a form suitable for transmission through the air medium.
A wireless router has a physical network connection which would be connected to a wired
network.
A wireless access point (AP) can be used to join wireless devices to a wired network, or to extend
the range of a wireless network.
The simplest wireless network contains only one AP and that the issues that you need to deal
with for one AP are generally placement and signal loss.
A NIC is usually a separate adapter card that slides into one of the server’s motherboard
expansion slots.

However, most newer computers have the NIC built into the motherboard, so a separate card
isn’t needed.
Network architecture is the design of a communications network.

It is a framework for the specification of a network’s physical components and their functional
organization and configuration, its operational principles and procedures, as well as data formats
used in its operation.
2.5 Keywords

Base Station: is a wireless communications station installed at a fixed location and used to
communicate

Communication Protocol: is a set of standards designed to specify how computers interact and
exchange messages.
Network Architecture: is the design of a communications network. It is a framework for the
specification of a network’s physical components and their functional organization and
configuration, its operational principles and procedures, as well as data formats used in its
operation.
Network Interface Card: is usually a separate adapter card that slides into one of the server’s
motherboard expansion slots.
Point-to-multipoint (PMP): communication refers to communication that is accomplished
through a distinct and specific form of one-to-many connections, offering several paths from one
single location to various locations.

Point-to-point Connection: refers to a communications connection between two nodes or
endpoints.
Wireless Access Controller: is a highly scalable and flexible platform that allows you to manage
all the wireless access points in a network as a whole rather than individually.
Wireless Access Point (AP): can be used to join wireless devices to a wired network, or to extend
the range of a wireless network.

Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP): is an Internet service provider with a network based
on wireless networking.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 39