Page 9 - DCAP311_DCAP607_WIRELESS_NETWORKS

Unit 1: Introduction to Wireless Networks

1.1.1 Advantage of Wireless Networking Notes

The advantages of wireless networking include:
1. Wireless routers are equipped with modem, network switch (a device that has multiple
connection ports for connecting computers and other network devices), wireless access
points.

2. Wireless Router can be connected to / from anywhere in your immediate environment
or house. That means you can log on and surf the Internet from anywhere around your
surroundings.

3. Some of the wireless routers are equipped with a built in firewall to ward of intruders. The
configuration options of the firewall are an important consideration when buying a router.
Virtually everyone buys and sell online one way or the other, buying a wireless router with
good firewall configuration options can be helpful for security and privacy.
4. The broadband router wireless VoIP technology enables you to can connect to the Internet,
using any ordinary phone device. You can then make calls to anybody in the world via
your Internet connection. Wireless router provides strong encryption (WPA or AES) and
features the filters MAC address and control over SSID authentication.

1.1.2 Needs of Wireless Networking

Wireless local-area networks (WLAN) have evolved as the quantity and types of mobile devices
have increased. The number of devices that support Wi-Fi continues to expand. The term Wi-Fiis
an industry acronym meaning wireless fidelity for devices with sup- port for the IEEE 802.11
wireless standard. This means the device has been certified to meet interoperability standards
established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The type of devices that include Wi-Fi support continues to
expand from laptops to many other devices, such as cameras, phones, automobiles, and other
consumer devices. The uses of Wi-Fi have expanded beyond just data usage, often including
voice, video, and innovative contextual applications. Contextual usage is a combination of
application data, voice, and video services with information provided by the data network, such
as device location, security posture, or access media type information. Contextual applications
increase the value or relevance of data service by using the additional metadata provided by
the wireless net- work. An example of a contextual data application would be a repair dispatch
system generating work orders, using the WLAN’s location information to dispatch the closest
technician to repair a failed device.
Many organizations use wireless networks with applications specifically created for the mobile
environment, which requires the WLAN to provide secure communications any- place the user
might wander. An example would be a hospital where paper records are no longer utilized.
This requires access to the patient’s electronic medical record that is avail- able at all locations
to provide health services. With pervasive WLAN coverage, further optimization to healthcare
quality and costs can be achieved utilizing the WLAN. For example, many diagnostic and
monitor systems utilize devices that load patient data through the WLAN directly into the
patient’s medical record. It is practicaltoday to enable more devices to always be on the network
because there is no longer wired net- work cable encumbering device usage. Regardless of the
industry or application, every- where you turn, people and devices are leveraging an always-
on network through WLANs. This has driven more pervasive WLANs to be deployed, with
increased size and scope of use. The reliance on WLANs has changed from being a convenience
to being a critical edge access method.
WLANs have become an essential component for most organizations and are mission critical for
many. The increased reliance on WLANs has increased the coverage, security, performance, and
reliability requirements. Numerous impairments to usage of WLANs have been identified as the

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