Wireless Networks (WLAN)

IB Standards Covered

3.1.12 Outline advantages and disadvantages of wireless networks
3.1.13 Describe the hardware and software of a wireless network
3.1.14 Describe characteristics of wireless networks

There are a number of hardware devices and software needed to create a network, especially one that is wireless.

Hardware:

A modem allows you to connect to the internet. You can find modems installed into router boxes, which together help create wireless networks. A router allows for a wi-fi signal to exist so that devices can connect. The router then routes data through the modem, which connects to the Internet Service Provider.
An important part of a wireless network is the client’s device. Within your laptop or desktop computer, smartphone or any other wireless device you will find a wireless network adapter, which helps it connect to the wireless router.
If the connection for the wireless network is not strong enough, you will need to use a wireless repeater which boosts the signal of the wi-fi and extends the distance at which you can connect to your modem.
Ethernet cables will often be used to connect routers, modems and any other devices that don’t have a wireless network adapter but still need to be included int he wireless network.

Software:

Each device will need to have an IP address. This should be done automatically by the router through DHCP(Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). You can do this manually by disabling DHCP and creating static IP addresses.

To be able to connect to the WLAN, the network needs to have a name. This is also called an SSID(service set identification) and it is required to be a set of up to 32 alphanumeric characters.

Many of the Hardware components will need to know how to cooperate with the Operating System. This will require drivers, which are software programs that create a link between the Operating System and the software features possible with the hardware piece.

In order to keep networks safe, it’s important to set up a firewall, security software, and WPA2. Firewalls determine what can come in and out of the network. Security software will check whether downloaded programs are malicious. WPA2(wi-fi protected access) is a protocol to keep secure connections between devices and the router.

Finally, you’ll need a web browser to access information over your WLAN.

There are a number of modern and legacy wireless technologies.

1G(analog) and 2G(digital) are considered legacy are not widely used. Their connection speeds are slow.

3G was introduced to aid with faster data transfer speeds for cellular phones. It can reach up to 200kb/s.

4G is the current generation of wireless/mobile technology. It uses a digital telecommunication standard and can reach up to 100 Mb/s. LTE, on the other hand, can reach up to 300 Mb/s is now the most widely used wireless technology.

5G should reach up to 1Gb/s but it is not widely available currently.

WiMAX is similar to 4G, but about 50% slower, and it is mostly used in remote or isolated areas where it is challenging to set up cable-based infrastructure. WiMAX is not compatible with 2G and 3G devices, while 4G is.