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Networking Terms

There is a wide variety of terms used to explain computer networking. The terms listed
are a compilation of some of the more common terms used to describe networking. Many
terms may not be mentioned here. Please contact us, and we will define a computer
networking term you are interested in knowing more about if it is not listed here.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) - Dynamic Host Configuration


Protocol (DHCP) is a communications protocol that lets network administrators manage
and automate the assignment of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in an organization's
network. DHCP allows devices to connect to a network and be automatically assigned an
IP address.
DNS (Domain Name System) - The Domain Name System is the system that translates
Internet domain names into IP numbers.
Ethernet - One of the most common local area network (LAN) wiring schemes, Ethernet
has a transmission rate of 10 megabits per second; a newer standard called Fast Ethernet
will carry 100 megabits per second.
Internet - An electronic communications network that connects computer networks and
organizational computer facilities around the world.
IP address - Each machine connected to the Internet has an unique address known as an
Internet Protocol address (IP address). The IP address takes the form of four numbers
separated by dots, for example: 123.45.67.890.
LAN (Local Area Network) - LAN is a collection of computers linked together by an
enclosed network.
Modem - A device that converts the digital signal from a computer to an analog signal
that can be transmitted along an ordinary phone line. This allows computers to connect to
the Internet through a telephone line.
NAT (Network Address Translation) - An Internet standard that enables a local-area
network (LAN) to use one set of IP addresses for internal traffic (usually private
addresses) and a second set of public addresses for external traffic. A NAT
box/router/firewall is located where the LAN meets the Internet makes all necessary IP
address translations.
Netbios - Short for Network Basic Input Output System, it is a software developed by
IBM that provides the interface between the PC operating system, the input/output bus,
and the network.

Router - Network layer device that determines the optimal path along which network
traffic should be forwarded. Routers forward packets from one network to another based
on network layer information.
Server - A computer that delivers information and software to other computers linked by
a network.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) - A protocol for
communication between computers, used as a standard for transmitting data over
networks and as the basis for standard Internet protocols.
WAN (Wide Area Network) - It is a network, usually constructed with serial lines,
which covers a large geographic.

Computer hardware
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
It has been suggested that Peripheral and Peripheral device be merged into this
article or section. (Discuss)
Computer hardware is the physical part of a computer, including the digital circuitry, as
distinguished from the computer software that executes within the hardware. The
hardware of a computer is infrequently changed, in comparison with software and
hardware data, which are "soft" in the sense that they are readily created, modified or
erased on the computer. Firmware is a special type of software that rarely, if ever, needs
to be changed and so is stored on hardware devices such as read-only memory (ROM)
where it is not readily changed (and is, therefore, "firm" rather than just "soft").
Most computer hardware is not seen by normal users. It is in embedded systems in
automobiles, microwave ovens, electrocardiograph machines, compact disc players, and
other devices. Personal computers, the computer hardware familiar to most people, form
only a small minority of computers (about 0.2% of all new computers produced in 2003).
See Market statistics.

Contents
[hide]

1 Typical PC hardware
o 1.1 Motherboard
o 1.2 Power supply
o 1.3 Storage controllers
o 1.4 Video display controller

1.5 Removable media devices


1.6 Internal storage
1.7 Sound card
1.8 Networking
1.9 Other peripherals
1.9.1 Input
1.9.2 Output
2 See also

3 Internet

o
o
o
o
o

[edit] Typical PC hardware


A typical personal computer consists of a case or chassis in a tower shape (desktop) and
the following parts:

Internals of typical personal computer


Image:ASRock K7VT4A Pro Mainboard-eng-labels.jpg
Typical Motherboard found in a computer

Inside a Custom Computer

[edit] Motherboard
Main article: Motherboard

The motherboard is the "heart" of the computer, through which all other components
interface.

Central processing unit (CPU) - Performs most of the calculations which enable a
computer to function, sometimes referred to as the "brain" of the computer.
o Computer fan - Used to lower the temperature of the computer; a fan is
almost always attached to the CPU, and the computer case will generally
have several fans to maintain a constant airflow. Liquid cooling can also
be used to cool a computer, though it focuses more on individual parts
rather than the overall temperature inside the chassis.
Random Access Memory (RAM) - Fast-access memory that is cleared when the
computer is powered-down. RAM attaches directly to the motherboard, and is
used to store programs that are currently running.
Firmware is loaded from the Read only memory ROM run from the Basic InputOutput System (BIOS) or in newer systems Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI)
compliant
Internal Buses - Connections to various internal components.
o PCI
o PCI-E
o USB
o HyperTransport
o CSI (expected in 2008)
o AGP (being phased out)
o VLB (outdated)
External Bus Controllers - used to connect to external peripherals, such as printers
and input devices. These ports may also be based upon expansion cards, attached
to the internal buses.
o parallel port (outdated)
o serial port (outdated)
o USB
o firewire
o SCSI (On Servers and older machines)
o PS/2 (For mice and keyboards, being phased out and replaced by USB.)
o ISA (outdated)
o EISA (outdated)
o MCA (outdated)

[edit] Power supply


Main article: Computer power supply
A case that holds a transformer, voltage control, and (usually) a cooling fan, and supplies
power to run the rest of the computer, the most common types of power supplies are AT
and BabyAT (old) but the standard for PC's actually are ATX and micro ATX

[edit] Storage controllers

Controllers for hard disk, CD-ROM and other drives like internal Zip and Jaz
conventionally for a PC are IDE/ATA; the controllers sit directly on the motherboard (onboard) or on expansion cards, such as a Disk array controller. IDE is usually integrated,
unlike SCSI which is found in most servers. The floppy drive interface is a legacy MFM
interface which is now slowly disappearing. All these interfaces are gradually being
phased out to be replaced by SATA and SAS.

[edit] Video display controller


Main article: Graphics card
Produces the output for the visual display unit. This will either be built into the
motherboard or attached in its own separate slot (PCI, PCI-E, PCI-E 2.0, or AGP), in the
form of a Graphics Card.

[edit] Removable media devices

Main article: Computer storage


CD - the most common type of removable media, inexpensive but has a short lifespan.
o CD-ROM Drive - a device used for reading data from a CD.
o CD Writer - a device used for both reading and writing data to and from a
CD.
DVD - a popular type of removable media that is the same dimensions as a CD
but stores up to 6 times as much information. It is the most common way of
transferring digital video.
o DVD-ROM Drive - a device used for reading data from a DVD.
o DVD Writer - a device used for both reading and writing data to and from
a DVD.
o DVD-RAM Drive - a device used for rapid writing and reading of data
from a special type of DVD.
Blu-ray - a high-density optical disc format for the storage of digital information,
including high-definition video.
o BD-ROM Drive - a device used for reading data from a Blu-ray disc.
o BD Writer - a device used for both reading and writing data to and from a
Blu-ray disc.
HD DVD - a high-density optical disc format and successor to the standard DVD.
It was a discontinued competitor to the Blu-ray format.
Floppy disk - an outdated storage device consisting of a thin disk of a flexible
magnetic storage medium.
Zip drive - an outdated medium-capacity removable disk storage system, first
introduced by Iomega in 1994.
USB flash drive - a flash memory data storage device integrated with a USB
interface, typically small, lightweight, removable and rewritable.
Tape drive - a device that reads and writes data on a magnetic tape, usually used
for long term storage.

[edit] Internal storage


Hardware that keeps data inside the computer for later use and remains persistent even
when the computer has no power.

Hard disk - for medium-term storage of data.


Solid-state drive - a device emulating a hard disk, but containing no moving parts.
Disk array controller - a device to manage several hard disks, to achieve
performance or reliability improvement.

[edit] Sound card


Main article: Sound card
Enables the computer to output sound to audio devices, as well as accept input from a
microphone. Most modern computers have sound cards built-in to the motherboard,
though it is common for a user to install a separate sound card as an upgrade.

[edit] Networking
Main article: Computer networks
Connects the computer to the Internet and/or other computers.

Modem - for dial-up connections


Network card - for DSL/Cable internet, and/or connecting to other computers.
Direct Cable Connection - Use of a null modem, connecting two computers
together using their serial ports or a Laplink Cable, connecting two computers
together with their parallel ports.

[edit] Other peripherals


Main article: Peripheral
In addition, hardware devices can include external components of a computer system.
The following are either standard or very common.

Wheel mouse
Includes various input and output devices, usually external to the computer system

[edit] Input

Main article: Input


Text input devices
o Keyboard - a device, to input text and characters by depressing buttons
(referred to as keys), similar to a typewriter. The most common Englishlanguage key layout is the QWERTY layout.
Pointing devices
o Mouse - a pointing device that detects two dimensional motion relative to
its supporting surface.
o Trackball - a pointing device consisting of an exposed portruding ball
housed in a socket that detects rotation about two axes.
o Xbox 360 Controller - A controller used for XBOX 360, Which with the
use of the application Switchblade(tm), Can be used as an additional
pointing device with the left or right thumbstick.
Gaming devices
o Joystick - a general control device that consists of a handheld stick that
pivots around one end, to detect angles in two or three dimensions.
o Gamepad - a general game controller held in the hand that relies on the
digits (especially thumbs) to provide input.
o Game controller - a specific type of controller specialized for certain
gaming purposes.
Image, Video input devices
o Image scanner - a device that provides input by analyzing images, printed
text, handwriting, or an object.
o Webcam - a low resolution video camera used to provide visual input that
can be easily transferred over the internet.
Audio input devices
o Microphone - an acoustic sensor that provides input by converting sound
into an electrical signals

[edit] Output

Main article: Output


Image, Video output devices
o Printer - a peripheral device that produces a hard (usually paper) copy of a
document.
o Monitor - device that displays a video signal, similar to a television, to
provide the user with information and an interface with which to interact.
Audio output devices
o Speakers - a device that converts analog audio signals into the equivalent
air vibrations in order to make audible sound.
o Headset - a device similar in functionality to computer speakers used
mainly to not disturb others nearby.

[edit] See als

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Please take a look at our services and solutions pages- then give us a call. You'll be
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From Bradley Mitchell,
Your Guide to Wireless / Networking.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

An 11 Year Old Network Administrator's Story


| Commentary | [via Slashdot] When I was 11 years old, my school had no computers, and
networking was not a word in my vocabulary. Contrast that with the story of Jon Penn,
whose school has about 60 computers and no network administrator to keep them
connected to the Internet and running well. In his first months on the job, Jon has
completed evaluation of several network gateway security appliances, upgraded operating
systems and improved the server backup process. Looks like network certification may
be in his future, too. Nice work, Jon!
Sunday March 30, 2008 | permalink | comments (1)
More from your Guide below
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More from your Guide

What Is a Network Protocol?


| Definition | Hundreds of different network protocosl exist for computer networks. A
network protocol defines rules and conventions for network communication between
computing devices, all generally sending and receiving messages in the form of packets.

The most widely used network protocols are the set of Internet protocols including some
specifically designed for high performance routing.
See also - What Is Packet Switching?
Friday March 28, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

Can Wi-Fi Be Turned Off for Computers and Routers?


| FAQ | Say your network features a wireless broadband router, but your computers are all
connected to it via Ethernet. To save power and perhaps improve your network's security,
you should consider turning off the Wi-Fi radios on both the router and all computers
when not using wireless. But - how can Wi-Fi be turned off?
See also - When Should You Power Down Your Network?
Wednesday March 26, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

About Wi-Fi 2.0 and "TV White Spaces"


| Commentary | Wi-Fi 2.0 is a concept for implementing wireless broadband networks
using very different radio frequencies than those used by Wi-Fi today. Specifically, Wi-Fi
2.0 would utilize bandwidth within the range of traditional broadcast television stations
and some other consumer devices.
Wi-Fi 2.0 has been in the news again this week as Google recently updated its TV white
spaces pitch to the U.S. government. The promise of Wi-Fi 2.0 is clear - network speeds
on the order of Gbps instead of Mbps, reaching to everyone in urban and rural areas alike.
Its prospects for becoming a reality, however. remain highly uncertain.
See also - Can TV Channels Be Used for High Speed Internet Service?
Monday March 24, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

Free Computer Networking Books Online


| Reference | Numerous published books are available for free download on the Internet.
However, relatively few free books exist that cover general computer networking topics.
These titles are recommended for their high quality and usefulness: Free Computer
Networking Books Online.
Saturday March 22, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

How Fast Is EV-DO?


| Commentary | The EV-DO wireless network protocol is used by some cellular phones to
provide Internet access. The "speed" you can expect from an EV-DO connection depends
on which version of the protocol is implemented. Originally, EV-DO only supported a
theoretical maximum of 2.4 Mbps but newer Revisions to the standard support 3.1 Mbps
with much higher speeds coming in the near future. Of course, theoretical protocol speeds

are never quite achieved in practice. More - What Is EV-DO?


See also - About Cellular Internet Access
Thursday March 20, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

About iNetworkTest for iPhone


| Commentary | The iNetworkTest is a Web service designed to test the speed of Apple
iPhone Internet connections. Pointing an iPhone to the iNetworkTest home page will
allow you to start a (brief) bandwidth measurement test cycle over whichever type of
network is currently connected (either Wi-Fi or cellular Edge). You can also view
statistics on the average connection speeds being achieved by those who use the service.
According to the iNetworkTest databaase, you may expect an iPhone to enjoy data rates
of over 500 Kbps when accessing the Internet over Wi-Fi but less than 200 Kbps are very
possible when relying on Edge networks. More - iphonenetworktest.com
See also - About Internet Speed Tests
Apple iPhone - Andreas Rentz / Getty Images

Tuesday March 18, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

Most Popular Networking Downloads


| Reference | Looking for information on downloads for popular network software? Use
this list to find what you need:
Instant Messenging: AOL / AIM Express Downloads, Dead AIM, MSN Instant
Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, and Gaim downloads
BitTorrent: Bit Torrents, best Bit Torrent client, free BitTorrent downloads, Bit
Torrent files, Azureus, Bit Comet, Bit Tornado, uTorrent
Kazaa: Kazaa Downloads - Kazaa Lite / Light - Kazaa Lite Resurrection - Kazaa Lite
Revolution - Kazaalite Fakes - Kazzaa
Other P2P: Ares, Ares Galaxy, Ares Lite, BearShare, eMule, iMesh, LimeWire,
Morpheus, Overnet / eDonkey, Peer Guardian, Shareaza, SoulSeek, Warez P2P, WinMX
Free Download

, Others: Cisco VPN Client, Internet Explorer 6 downloads, Internet Explorer 7


downloads, Skype, free Sony PSP downloads
Tuesday March 18, 2008 | permalink | comments (3)

How To Fix "Limited Or No Connectivity" Errors in


Windows
| Reference | When trying to establish network connections on a Windows computer, you
may encounter a Limited Or No Connectivity error message. This message can result
from any of several different configuration problems and technical glitches. Follow these
steps to Fix "Limited Or No Connectivity" Errors in Windows.
See also - How To Connect To a Broadband Router As an Administrator
Sunday March 16, 2008 | permalink | comments (0)

Free Network Monitoring Software - Discuss


| Message Board | Member JD writes "I am trying to find some freeware/open source software for monitoring
network traffic. I'm particullarly looking for something with a visual
interface if possible and something that will show the HTTP
requests/responses and data. Also what ports are being used and what the
data content is."
We've had a few good suggestions posted. Do you have any others to share. Add them
here: Free Network Monitoring Software - Discuss
See also - What Is Network Monitoring Software?
KnowledgeShare - White Papers
Wireless Networking Q&A
Increased use of laptop computers within the enterprise, and increase in worker
mobility have fuelled the demand for wireless networks. Up until recently,
wireless technology was a patchwork of incompatible systems from a variety of
vendors. The technology was slow, expensive and reserved for mobile situations
or hostile environments where cabling was impractical or impossible. With the
maturing of industry standards and the deployment of lightweight wireless
networking hardware across a broad market section, wireless technology has
come of age.
We are presenting this KnowledgeShare in a Q&A (Questions and Answers)
format that we hope will be useful. We are dealing with the subject on a general
basis and so the information offered here should apply to most wireless
networking devices. We welcome feedback and comments from any readers on
the usefulness or content.

We are providing the best information available to us as of date of writing and


intend to update it at frequent intervals as things change and/or more information
becomes available. However we intend this KnowledgeShare as a guide only and
recommend that users obtain specific information to determine applicability to
their specific requirements. (This is another way of saying that we can't be held
liable or responsible for the content). For more on this and other subjects covered
in these White Papers, sign up to our free Newsletter today.
What is Vicomsoft's Interest in Wireless Networking?
Vicomsoft does not sell wireless (or wired) networking interface hardware
(NICs). Accordingly we are neutral on which NICs are used and whether wired or
wireless technologies are used. In the course of its business Vicomsoft has
acquired considerable knowledge in the area of wireless networking and wishes to
share it.
[Two Second Commercial Break: Vicomsoft software products are used for the
interconnection of wireless and wired local area networks (LANs) and also the
connection of LANs, however created, to the Internet. Click here to download
free trial software.]
This KnowledgeShare document addresses the main types of wireless networking
today based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. Those wishing to study the subject in
more detail should refer to the useful links listed at the end of this document.
Questions are split into two sections; the first section is on general wireless
networking, and the second aimed at users wishing to use wireless technology to
provide access to the Internet.
Questions
Section One - Wireless Networking
1. What is wireless networking?
2. What is a wireless network made up of?
3. What is IEEE 802.11?
4. Can I mix wireless equipment from different vendors?
5. If my computer is connected to a wireless LAN, can it communicate with
computers on a wired LAN as well?
6. What is the range of a wireless network?
7. How many wireless networked computers can use a single access point?
8. Can I have more than one access point?
9. What is Roaming?
10. How can I use a wireless network to interconnect two LANs?
11. Is it true that wireless networking is only good for laptop computers?
12. What about security?
Section Two - Wireless Networking and the Internet
13. How can I use a wireless network to share an Internet connection?

14. If I have more than one hardware access point, how can I share a single
Internet connection?
15. If I use a wireless network to connect to the Internet does my ISP need a
wireless network too?
16. Can networking software identify a wireless computer in the same way it
can identify an ethernet computer on the network?
References
Download this article as a .PDF
Answers
Section One - Wireless Networking
1. What is wireless networking?
The term wireless networking refers to technology that enables two or
more computers to communicate using standard network protocols, but
without network cabling. Strictly speaking, any technology that does this
could be called wireless networking. The current buzzword however
generally refers to wireless LANs. This technology, fuelled by the
emergence of cross-vendor industry standards such as IEEE 802.11, has
produced a number of affordable wireless solutions that are growing in
popularity with business and schools as well as sophisticated applications
where network wiring is impossible, such as in warehousing or point-ofsale handheld equipment.
2. What is a wireless network made up of?
There are two kinds of wireless networks:
a. An ad-hoc, or peer-to-peer wireless network consists of a number
of computers each equipped with a wireless networking interface
card. Each computer can communicate directly with all of the other
wireless enabled computers. They can share files and printers this
way, but may not be able to access wired LAN resources, unless
one of the computers acts as a bridge to the wired LAN using
special software. (This is called "bridging")
Figure 1: Ad-Hoc or Peer-to Peer Networking.
Each computer with a wireless interface can communicate directly
with all of the others.

b. A wireless network can also use an access point, or base station. In


this type of network the access point acts like a hub, providing
connectivity for the wireless computers. It can connect (or
"bridge") the wireless LAN to a wired LAN, allowing wireless
computer access to LAN resources, such as file servers or existing
Internet Connectivity.
There are two types of access points:
i.

ii.

Dedicated hardware access points (HAP) such as Lucent's


WaveLAN, Apple's Airport Base Station or WebGear's
AviatorPRO. (See Figure 2). Hardware access points offer
comprehensive support of most wireless features, but check
your requirements carefully.
Software Access Points which run on a computer equipped
with a wireless network interface card as used in an ad-hoc
or peer-to-peer wireless network. (See Figure 3) The
Vicomsoft InterGate suites are software routers that can be
used as a basic Software Access Point, and include features
not commonly found in hardware solutions, such as Direct
PPPoE support and extensive configuration flexibility, but
may not offer the full range of wireless features defined in
the 802.11 standard.

With appropriate networking software support, users on the wireless LAN


can share files and printers located on the wired LAN and vice versa.
Vicomsoft's solutions support file sharing using TCP/IP.
Figure 2: Hardware Access Point.
Wireless connected computers using a Hardware Access Point.

Figure 3: Software Access Point.


Wireless connected computers using a Software Access Point.

3. What is IEEE 802.11?


Wireless networking hardware requires the use of underlying technology
that deals with radio frequencies as well as data transmission. The most
widely used standard is 802.11 produced by the Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineers (IEEE). This is a standard defining all aspects of
Radio Frequency Wireless networking.
4. Can I mix wireless equipment from different vendors?
Because most wireless networking hardware vendors support the 802.11
standard they can inter operate. However, we recommend verification as
the standard is a fairly recent one, and does specify two different methods
for wireless communications; Frequency Hopping (FH) and Direct
Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS or DS), which are not interoperable.

When purchasing wireless networking hardware from separate vendors be


sure to obtain guarantees from the vendors that the hardware will
interoperate and follows the standards.
Within a short time we expect all new wireless cards, like ethernet cards,
to become inexpensive, ubiquitous and totally interoperable.
Also of note is that the latest version of the standard defines 11mbps and
5.5mbps networking, with support for the older standard 1mbps and
2mbps speeds. This provides some compatibility with different or older
equipment. Note that this new standard covers DS-type Networks, not FH
types.
Software access points such as InterGate which uses the wireless interface
of the host computer should have no compatibility issues with third party
wireless hardware, as long as standards are followed. Typically wireless
hardware is identified to the software as a network interface, and therefore
can be used in the same way as any other network card.
5. If my computer is connected to a wireless LAN, can it communicate
with computers on a wired LAN as well?
To do this you will need some sort of bridge between the wireless and
wired network. This can be accomplished either with a hardware access
point or a software access point. Hardware access points are available with
various types of network interfaces, such as Ethernet or Token Ring, but
typically require extra hardware to be purchased if your networking
requirements change.
If networking requirements go beyond just interconnecting a wired
network network to a small wireless network, a software access point may
be the best solution.
A software access point does not limit the type or number of network
interfaces you use. It may also allow considerable flexibility in providing
access to different network types, such as different types of Ethernet,
Wireless and Token Ring networks. Such connections are only limited by
the number of slots or interfaces in the computer used for this task.
Further to this the software access point may include significant additional
features such as shared Internet access, web caching or content filtering,
providing significant benefits to users and administrators.
6. What is the range of a wireless network?

Each access point has a finite range within which a wireless connection
can be maintained between the client computer and the access point. The
actual distance varies depending upon the environment; manufacturers
typically state both indoor and outdoor ranges to give a reasonable
indication of reliable performance. Also it should be noted that when
operating at the limits of range the performance may drop, as the quality
of connection deteriorates and the system compensates.
Typical indoor ranges are 150-300 feet, but can be shorter if the building
construction interferes with radio transmissions. Longer ranges are
possible, but performance will degrade with distance.
Outdoor ranges are quoted up to 1000 feet, but again this depends upon
the environment.
There are ways to extend the basic operating range of Wireless
communications, by using more than a single access point or using a
wireless relay /extension point. See Question 8 for further information.
7. How many wireless networked computers can use a single access
point?
This depends upon the manufacturer. Some hardware access points have a
recommended limit of 10, with other more expensive access points
supporting up to 100 wireless connections. Using more computers than
recommended will cause performance and reliability to suffer.
Software access points may also impose user limitations, but this depends
upon the specific software, and the host computer's ability to process the
required information.
8. Can I have more than one access point?
Yes, multiple access points can be connected to a wired LAN, or
sometimes even to a second wireless LAN if the access point supports
this.
In most cases, separate access points are interconnected via a wired LAN,
providing wireless connectivity in specific areas such as offices or
classrooms, but connected to a main wired LAN for access to network
resources, such as file servers. (See Figure 4)
Figure 4: Multiple Access Points.
Wireless connected computers using Multiple Access Points.

If a single area is too large to be covered by a single access point, then


multiple access points or extension points can be used. -- Note that an
"extension point" is not defined in the wireless standard, but have been
developed by some manufacturers. When using multiple access points,
each access point wireless area should overlap its neighbors. This provides
a seamless area for users to move around in using a feature called
"roaming. " (See the next question for an explanation of Roaming)
Some manufacturers produce extension points, which act as wireless
relays, extending the range of a single access point. Multiple extension
points can be strung together to provide wireless access to far away
locations from the central access point. (See Figure 5)
Figure 5: Extension Point.
Wireless connected computers using an Access Point with an Extension
Point.

9. What is Roaming?
A wireless computer can "roam" from one access point to another, with the
software and hardware maintaining a steady network connection by
monitoring the signal strength from in-range access points and locking on
to the one with the best quality. Usually this is completely transparent to
the user; they are not aware that a different access point is being used from
area to area. Some access point configurations require security
authentication when swapping access points, usually in the form of a
password dialog box.
Access points are required to have overlapping wireless areas to achieve
this as can be seen in the following diagram:
Figure 6: Roaming.
A user can move from Area 1 to Area 2 transparently. The Wireless
networking hardware automatically swaps to the Access Point with the
best signal.

Not all access points are capable of being configured to support roaming.
Also of note is that any access points for a single vendor should be used
when implementing roaming, as there is no official standard for this
feature.
10. Can I use a wireless network to interconnect two LANs?
Yes. Wireless networking offers a cost-effective solution to users with
difficult physical installations such as campuses, hospitals or businesses
with more than one location in immediate proximity but separated by
public thoroughfare. This type of installation requires two access points.
Each access point acts as a bridge or router connecting its own LAN to the
wireless connection. The wireless connection allows the two access points
to communicate with each other, and therefore interconnect the two
LAN's.
Figure 7: LAN to LAN Wireless Communications
A Hardware Access Point providing wireless connectivity to local
computers and a software access point. The software access point provides
Wired Ethernet network 2 computers access to Wired Network 1.

Note that not all hardware access points have the ability to directly
interconnect to another hardware access point, and that the subject of
interconnecting LAN's over wireless connections is a large and complex
one, and is beyond the scope of this introduction. See the reference links at
the end of this section if you require further information.
11. Is it true that wireless networking is only good for laptop computers?
Although wireless networking offers obvious benefits to users of laptops
who move from location to location throughout the day, there are benefits
for users of fixed position computers as well:
Many schools and businesses have unsuitable building layouts or walls
that cannot be wired for various reasons making it difficult or impossible
to build a wired network. Wireless networking in these environments is a
very cost effective alternative also providing future flexibility.
In cases where a small number of computers are separated from a main
network a wireless link may be more cost effective than network cabling
although the latter is perfectly feasible.
Temporary wireless LANs can easily be created for exhibitions, school or
business projects, all without any trailing cabling.
12. What about security?

Wireless communications obviously provide potential security issues, as


an intruder does not need physical access to the traditional wired network
in order to gain access to data communications. However, 802.11 wireless
communications cannot be received --much less decoded-- by simple
scanners, short wave receivers etc. This has led to the common
misconception that wireless communications cannot be eavesdropped at
all. However, eavesdropping is possible using specialist equipment.
To protect against any potential security issues, 802.11 wireless
communications have a function called WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy),
a form of encryption which provides privacy comparable to that of a
traditional wired network. If the wireless network has information that
should be secure then WEP should be used, ensuring the data is protected
at traditional wired network levels.
Also it should be noted that traditional Virtual Private Networking (VPN)
techniques will work over wireless networks in the same way as
traditional wired networks.
Section Two - Wireless Networking and the Internet
13. How can I use a wireless network to share an Internet connection?
Once you realise that wireless cards are analogous to ethernet cards and
that empty space is analogous to ethernet cabling, the answer to this
question becomes clear. To share an Internet connection across a LAN you
need two things:

an Internet sharing hardware device or software program


a LAN

If your LAN is wireless, the same criteria apply. You need a hardware or
software access point and a wireless LAN. Any computer equipped with a
wireless network card running suitable Internet sharing software can be
used as a software access point. (See Figure 8) A number of vendors offer
hardware access points.
A hardware access point may provide Internet Sharing capabilities to
Wired LAN computers, but does not usually provide much flexibility
beyond very simple configurations. (See Figure 9)
Figure 8: Software Access Point.
Wireless connected computers using a Software Access Point for shared
Internet access.

Figure 9: Hardware Access Point.


Wireless connected computers using a Hardware Access Point for shared
Internet access.

14. If I have more than one hardware access point, how can I share a
single Internet connection?
If an existing wired LAN already has an Internet connection, then the
hardware access points simply connect to your LAN and allow wireless
computers to access the existing Internet connection in the same way as
wired LAN computers.
Figure 10: Multiple Access Points.
Wireless connected computers using Multiple Access Points.

If there is no existing Internet connection, then this depends on the access


point:
Figure 11: Software Access Point sharing one Internet connection.
Wireless connected computers using Multiple Access Points. All wired
and wireless computers access the Internet through a single software
access point.

If an access point provides some form of Internet sharing itself, then


having multiple such access points connected to a wired LAN may require
some special configuration, or possibly may require an additional Internet
sharing device or software program.
15. If I use a wireless network to connect to the Internet does my ISP need
a wireless network too?
If you use a wireless network to connect to the Internet, the wireless part
only concerns your LAN. The communications link from your LAN to
your Internet service provider (ISP) would be identical whether or not you
had a wireless network. For example, if you connected an ethernet
network to the Internet via a 56K modem, when you upgraded your
network to use wireless, you would still use the same 56K modem to
connect to the Internet.
16. Can networking software identify a wireless computer in the same
way it can identify an ethernet computer on the network?
Wireless cards look just like ethernet cards to your network drivers. In
fact, wireless networking cards have unique MAC hardware addresses that
are formatted like ethernet hardware addresses allocated from the same
standards organization.

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