Wireless Networking

Introduction
What is a wireless network?
A technology
that enables two or more entities to
communicate without network cabling
Different Wireless Networks
IrDA (Infrared Data Association)
Uses beams in the infrared light spectrum
Bluetooth
Uses 2.45 gigahertz radio waves, but emits weak
signals
Limits distance to 10 feet, but travels through walls
HomeRF (SWAP) developed by businesses
6 voice channels and 1 data channel
Slow, and limited range, but cheap
Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)
Essentially, this technology is a variation of the
IEEE 802.11 specification known as 802.11b
Focuses on Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum
(DSSS)
High data rate (max of 11 Mbps)
In the case of interference, speed drops in halves (11 Mbps
to 5.5 Mbps to 2 Mbps to 1 Mbps)
Wi-Fi
Advantages:
Fast (11 Mbps)
Reliable
Long Range (up to 1000 ft outdoors, 400 ft indoors)
Easy integration to wired networks
Compatible with original 802.11 DSSS standard
Disadvantages:
Speed may fluctuate
802.11a vs. 802.11b
Frequency
802.11b transfers at 2.4 gigahertz
802.11a transfers at 5 gigahertz

Coverage Distance
802.11b goes about 400 feet indoors
802.11a goes about 60 feet indoors
Need more access points to cover a location
Compatible to each other?
Not yet.
ITL Wireless Equipment
2 Wireless Access Point Routers (with built
in 4 port switch)
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) available
8 Wireless PCMCIA Cards
4 ORiNOCO Gold 11 Mbps PC Cards
4 3Com 11 Mbps PC Cards
Wireless Access Point
LINKSYS
ModelNo. BEFW11S4 ver. 2
Supports
IEEE 802.3 (10BaseT)
IEEE 802.3u (100BaseTX)
IEEE 802.11b (Wireless)
Built-in router capability
Obtains a Clarkson IP and uses DHCP
Built-in4 port switch
Fully-configurable through simple web interface
Wireless Cards
11Mbs
802.11b compatible
4 3Com Cards
Model No. 3CRWE62092A
4 ORiNOCO (Lucent) Cards
Model No. 012352/G
Performance
Inside Range
anywhere except in bathrooms
Usually 11 Mbps connection

Outside Range
Tothe SC lecture wing door (closest to ERC)
Covers faculty lot next to ERC
Half way to Rowley
Connection slows as move away from access point
Summer Research
Protocol
Method of Communication
Spoken Language
Networked Programs (AIM)

HTTP, Telnet, FTP

Two Main Protocols (Internet)
UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
Fast, bare-bones, not reliable or friendly
Can lose data at any time
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
Slower, many features, very reliable
All data will get to the other side
How Can I Secure My Wireless
Network
Heres a complete guide to secure your
wireless network.

Check this Wireless Network Guide now.