Wireless NetworksWireless Networks(WLAN)(WLAN)

BY: Priscilla SolisBY: Priscilla Solis

Ibrahima DialloIbrahima Diallo

Dania IbrahimDania Ibrahim

Alma GarridoAlma Garrido

Erik TorresErik Torres

What is wireless networking?What is wireless networking?

Technically, wireless networking refers to any Technically, wireless networking refers to any data exchange between PCs and other devices data exchange between PCs and other devices which doesn’t involve cables.which doesn’t involve cables.

Connecting to a wireless hotspot in a cafe, Connecting to a wireless hotspot in a cafe, sending data from your PC to a handheld sending data from your PC to a handheld computer using an infrared link, or synching data computer using an infrared link, or synching data between your mobile phone and notebook via between your mobile phone and notebook via Bluetooth are all examples of wireless Bluetooth are all examples of wireless networking.networking.

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Although any technology that does this could be Although any technology that does this could be called wireless networking, the term generally called wireless networking, the term generally refers to wireless LANs (WLAN). A WLAN is a refers to wireless LANs (WLAN). A WLAN is a grouping of network components connected by grouping of network components connected by electromagnetic (radio) waves instead of cables.electromagnetic (radio) waves instead of cables.

A wireless LAN basically consists of: the network A wireless LAN basically consists of: the network backbone; end-user devices suchbackbone; end-user devices suchas data collection units, handheld computers and as data collection units, handheld computers and laptops; wireless LAN access points; wireless laptops; wireless LAN access points; wireless cards; and software that will help you manage the cards; and software that will help you manage the network.network.

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The history of wireless networking was over The history of wireless networking was over fifty years ago, during World War II, when the fifty years ago, during World War II, when the United States Army first used radio signals for United States Army first used radio signals for data transmission. They developed a radio data transmission. They developed a radio data transmission technology, which was data transmission technology, which was heavily encrypted. heavily encrypted.

This inspired a group of researchers in 1971 at This inspired a group of researchers in 1971 at the University of Hawaii to create the first the University of Hawaii to create the first packet based radio communications network. packet based radio communications network. Named ALOHNET, was the very first wireless Named ALOHNET, was the very first wireless local area network (WLAN). local area network (WLAN).

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This first WLAN consisted of 7 computers that This first WLAN consisted of 7 computers that communicated in a bi-directional star topology communicated in a bi-directional star topology (see (see http://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/fs-1037/http://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/fs-1037/ and and http://http://www.webopedia.comwww.webopedia.com// -- both are excellent -- both are excellent sources of computer and telecommunication sources of computer and telecommunication terms and definitions) that spanned four of the terms and definitions) that spanned four of the Hawaiian Islands.Hawaiian Islands.

With the central computer based on Oahu With the central computer based on Oahu Island. With this, wireless networking was born. Island. With this, wireless networking was born.

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While wired LANs have wholly dominated the While wired LANs have wholly dominated the networking market, the last few years show a networking market, the last few years show a rise in wireless networking usage. rise in wireless networking usage.

This can best be seen in academic circles (i.e. This can best be seen in academic circles (i.e. University campuses), health-care, University campuses), health-care, manufacturing, and warehousing. All the while, manufacturing, and warehousing. All the while, the technology is improving, making it easier the technology is improving, making it easier and cheaper from companies to go wireless. and cheaper from companies to go wireless.

Wireless SetupWireless Setup

How to setup a wireless home How to setup a wireless home Network?Network?

Wireless Networking-stepsWireless Networking-steps

Install the adapter according to the Install the adapter according to the manufacturer's instructions. (If you are manufacturer's instructions. (If you are using a PCI adapter, you'll have to turn off using a PCI adapter, you'll have to turn off the computer, open the casing, insert the the computer, open the casing, insert the adapter into a free PCI slot, and restart the adapter into a free PCI slot, and restart the computer.) computer.)

Windows will detect the adapter and Windows will detect the adapter and prompt you to install the driver on the prompt you to install the driver on the included CD-ROM. included CD-ROM.

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Install the network software that usually Install the network software that usually comes with the hardware. You will be comes with the hardware. You will be prompted for the computer's name, and prompted for the computer's name, and asked if the current computer is meant to asked if the current computer is meant to be the server or client for Internet access.be the server or client for Internet access.

Restart the computer. Restart the computer.

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Now you have to create a profile--the collection Now you have to create a profile--the collection of settings that let you use the network. You can of settings that let you use the network. You can have several different profiles, so that if you take have several different profiles, so that if you take your laptop to the office or the local networked your laptop to the office or the local networked coffee house, you have only to switch profiles to coffee house, you have only to switch profiles to instantly connect to their network. To create a instantly connect to their network. To create a profile, run the configuration program that's part profile, run the configuration program that's part of the network software. of the network software.

Set the mode to Set the mode to ad hocad hoc (the mode may be set as (the mode may be set as peer-to-peer) if you're not using an access point, peer-to-peer) if you're not using an access point, or or infrastructureinfrastructure if you are. # if you are. #

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Enter the network name. Enter the network name. If you're using an ad hoc network, set the If you're using an ad hoc network, set the

channel (a number from 1 to 11). All channel (a number from 1 to 11). All adapters on a network must use the same adapters on a network must use the same channel. (With an infrastructure network, channel. (With an infrastructure network, the client automatically configures itself to the client automatically configures itself to the channel with the strongest signal.) the channel with the strongest signal.)

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Enter your encryption key--a series of Enter your encryption key--a series of letters and numbers, like a password--letters and numbers, like a password--according to the vendor's instructions. according to the vendor's instructions.

What are you waiting for? Grab your What are you waiting for? Grab your notebook, head out to the veranda, and notebook, head out to the veranda, and check your e-mail. check your e-mail.

Trouble ShootingTrouble Shooting

Trouble shooting means to poke around a Trouble shooting means to poke around a computers data system looking for things computers data system looking for things out of order. out of order.

A few steps to follow:A few steps to follow: Consult your product vendors for support Consult your product vendors for support

or your help desk representative. or your help desk representative. Read the literature that came with the Read the literature that came with the

software or peripheral. software or peripheral.

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If If you change something and it does not solve the you change something and it does not solve the problem change it back. You do not want to make problem change it back. You do not want to make your problems worse. your problems worse.

Take one step at a time and document everything so Take one step at a time and document everything so you can undo everything if necessary. you can undo everything if necessary.

Visit the vendors website to see if there is any Visit the vendors website to see if there is any information on that product and how to trouble information on that product and how to trouble shoot problems with it, apply any patch available to shoot problems with it, apply any patch available to resolve your problem. With Microsoft products most resolve your problem. With Microsoft products most times you can install a service pack or patch and times you can install a service pack or patch and your problems will be resolved. your problems will be resolved.

Material ListMaterial List

Accesses point Accesses point Antenna Antenna Ethernet CardEthernet Card Wireless RouterWireless Router Ethernet SwitchEthernet Switch

Top Sellers Access PointsTop Sellers Access Points

54 Mbps 802.11g54 Mbps 802.11g $19.99$19.99 NETGEARNETGEAR

Instant Wireless Instant Wireless WAP11, 802.11bWAP11, 802.11b

$59.99$59.99 LinksysLinksys

Dual-Band Wireless Dual-Band Wireless A+G 808.11a,b,gA+G 808.11a,b,g

$169.99 $169.99 LinksysLinksys

WA840G 802.11gWA840G 802.11g $69.99$69.99 MotorolaMotorola

54 Mbps Wireless Access Point, 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point, 802.11g802.11g

Works with both IEEE 802.11b + draft 802.11g (both Works with both IEEE 802.11b + draft 802.11g (both 2.4 GHz) 2.4 GHz)

Speeds of up to 54 Mbps Speeds of up to 54 Mbps Office roaming for notebook PC users Office roaming for notebook PC users Shared broadband Internet access and resources Shared broadband Internet access and resources 128-bit WEP encryption 128-bit WEP encryption Radio FrequencyRadio Frequency Manufacturer: NETGEARManufacturer: NETGEAR

Instant WirelessInstant Wireless High-Speed Transfer Rate of Up to 11 Mbps High-Speed Transfer Rate of Up to 11 Mbps Interoperable with IEEE 802.11b (DSSS) Interoperable with IEEE 802.11b (DSSS)

2.4GHzcompliant Equipment 2.4GHzcompliant Equipment Provides Roaming, Best Access Point Selection, Load Provides Roaming, Best Access Point Selection, Load

Balancing, and Network Traffic Filtering Balancing, and Network Traffic Filtering Long Operating Range Supports 150m (indoor) and Long Operating Range Supports 150m (indoor) and

500m (outdoor) 500m (outdoor) Adjustable Antennas Provide for Physical Configuration Adjustable Antennas Provide for Physical Configuration Wireless Access Point Roaming and Bridging Wireless Access Point Roaming and Bridging MAC Address Filtering, IP Filtering, DHCP Client, and MAC Address Filtering, IP Filtering, DHCP Client, and

SNMP Configuration Utility Password Protection SNMP Configuration Utility Password Protection 128-bit Hardware WEP Supported 128-bit Hardware WEP Supported Compatible with Virtually All Major Operating Systems Compatible with Virtually All Major Operating Systems Manufacturer: LinksysManufacturer: Linksys

Access PointAccess Point

Access Point, Bridge and Access Point, Bridge and Repeater.Repeater.

Coverage area:100m (inside) Coverage area:100m (inside) 300m (outside)300m (outside)

Modulation:Modulation: Direct Sequence Direct Sequence Spread SpectrumSpread Spectrum

Speed Options:Speed Options: Data rate Data rate selection (11M/5.5M/2M/1M)selection (11M/5.5M/2M/1M)

RF Output Power:RF Output Power: 23dBm 23dBm (200mW) and 13 dBm(200mW) and 13 dBm

Top Seller AntennasTop Seller Antennas

Powerline 54Mbps Powerline 54Mbps Wall-PluggedWall-Plugged

$99.99$99.99 NETGEARNETGEAR

Wifi Locator-Wifi Signal Wifi Locator-Wifi Signal Detector, 802.11b,gDetector, 802.11b,g

$9.99$9.99 Hawking TechnologyHawking Technology

High Gain Antenna kit High Gain Antenna kit for TNC Connectorsfor TNC Connectors

$69.99$69.99 LinksysLinksys

AirPlus G High Speed AirPlus G High Speed 2.4GHZ, 802.11g,b2.4GHZ, 802.11g,b

$79.99$79.99 D-LinkD-Link

AirPlus GAirPlus G

Maximum wireless Maximum wireless signal rate based on signal rate based on IEEE Standard 802.11g IEEE Standard 802.11g specificationsspecifications

LEDS: Power, LAN, LEDS: Power, LAN, WLANWLAN

Encryption & Security: Encryption & Security: 64 bit WEP & 128 bit 64 bit WEP & 128 bit WEP.WEP.

Maximum Data Rate: Maximum Data Rate: 54 Mbps54 Mbps

Ethernet CardEthernet Card

6700G Plug & Share 6700G Plug & Share Wireless Notebook Wireless Notebook Adapter, 802.11gAdapter, 802.11g

Features:Features: 54 Mbps data 54 Mbps data

transmission speedtransmission speed Interoperates with all Interoperates with all

802.11b or g 802.11b or g compliant devicescompliant devices

WEP EncryptionWEP Encryption Wireless protocol Wireless protocol

802.11g802.11g

Radio Frequency Radio Frequency 2.4Ghz2.4Ghz

$9.99$9.99

NIC CardNIC Card

Frequency Range: Frequency Range: 2412~2484 MHz2412~2484 MHz

Modulation: Direct Modulation: Direct Sequence Spread Sequence Spread Spectrum Spectrum

Data Rate: 11, 5.5, 2 Data Rate: 11, 5.5, 2 or 1 Mbps, auto-or 1 Mbps, auto-selectselect

Channels: US: 11Channels: US: 11

Wireless RoutersWireless Routers

6800G Plug & Share 6800G Plug & Share Wireless Router, Wireless Router, 802.11g802.11g

$19.99$19.99 Manufacturer: AT&TManufacturer: AT&T

6850G, 802.11g 6850G, 802.11g Wireless RouterWireless Router

$29.99$29.99 AT&TAT&T Connect at speed up to Connect at speed up to

108 Mbps108 Mbps

6800G Plug& Share Wireless 6800G Plug& Share Wireless RouterRouter

Connect at speeds up to 54 Mbps Connect at speeds up to 54 Mbps Stay online and connected to your network Stay online and connected to your network

from room to room in your home or office from room to room in your home or office Avoid the expense of structured wired Avoid the expense of structured wired

installations installations Four RJ-45 compatible LAN PortsFour RJ-45 compatible LAN Ports One RJ-45 compatible WAN PortOne RJ-45 compatible WAN Port Integrated firewall with VPN pass-throughIntegrated firewall with VPN pass-through WEP EncryptionWEP Encryption

SwitchSwitch

Transmission: Half/full-Transmission: Half/full-duplex, 10/100Mbps is duplex, 10/100Mbps is auto-negotiation for STPauto-negotiation for STP

Up-link port: Independent Up-link port: Independent portport

Max. Forwarding rate: Max. Forwarding rate: 148,800 packets per 148,800 packets per secondsecond

5-port Fast Ethernet Switch5-port Fast Ethernet Switch $9.99$9.99 Manufacturer: Manufacturer:

NETGEARNETGEAR Plug & Play installation, Plug & Play installation,

no configurationno configuration Auto-detects speed and Auto-detects speed and

duplexduplex 100 Mbps access/200 100 Mbps access/200

Mbps in full-duplexMbps in full-duplex Vertical option saves Vertical option saves

space on your deskspace on your desk

Designed specifically Designed specifically for home and small for home and small office users with rear office users with rear ports that reduce cable ports that reduce cable clutter, and front status clutter, and front status lights for easy lights for easy monitoring.monitoring.

Wireless SecurityWireless Security

Disadvantage-It is easier for a hacker to access a Disadvantage-It is easier for a hacker to access a network that is wireless than a network that is cabled.network that is wireless than a network that is cabled.

Solution-WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encrypts data Solution-WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encrypts data sent over a wireless network. To gain access you must sent over a wireless network. To gain access you must know the network name (SSID) and have a password for know the network name (SSID) and have a password for the network. The SSID and passwords are usually the network. The SSID and passwords are usually changed.changed.

More advanced system is WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) More advanced system is WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) which provides individual users authentication as well which provides individual users authentication as well more secure encryption. Note only effective if support is more secure encryption. Note only effective if support is built into the operating system (Windows XP), anything built into the operating system (Windows XP), anything earlier is not compatible.earlier is not compatible.

ConclusionConclusionFuture of Wireless NetworksFuture of Wireless Networks

Increased use of laptop computers within the enterprise, Increased use of laptop computers within the enterprise, and increase in worker mobility have fuelled the demand and increase in worker mobility have fuelled the demand for wireless networks. Note that like any other for wireless networks. Note that like any other technology, there are challenges associated with the use technology, there are challenges associated with the use of WLANs But with the maturing of industry standards of WLANs But with the maturing of industry standards and the deployment of lightweight wireless networking and the deployment of lightweight wireless networking hardware across a broad market section, wireless hardware across a broad market section, wireless technology has come of age.technology has come of age.The technology no doubt has witnessed increased The technology no doubt has witnessed increased acceptance in the last few years not only within the acceptance in the last few years not only within the enterprise, but also within the home, public access, and enterprise, but also within the home, public access, and embedded device markets. This is made possible not embedded device markets. This is made possible not only by improvements in performance and manageability only by improvements in performance and manageability but also security and interoperability as well and thebut also security and interoperability as well and thegeneral decrease in price. general decrease in price.

Works Cited Works Cited

http://netsecurity.about.com/od/http://netsecurity.about.com/od/hackertools/a/aa072004b.htmhackertools/a/aa072004b.htm

http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/index.php/http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/index.php/id;1395397229id;1395397229

http://www.computerworld.com/http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/mobiletopics/mobile/story/0,10801,86951,00.html0,10801,86951,00.html

http://vvmicrosystems.com/education.htmlhttp://vvmicrosystems.com/education.html