28-07-2014, 02:58 PM
Wireless LAN
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INTRODUCTION
Customers are confronted today with a wide variety of wireless technologies, systems, and
vendors to address needs for wireless data collection. However, most customers will find that no
single wireless solution is suitable for all applications. For example, low-volume messaging can
be served by the many available options for two-way paging and narrowband PCS (Personal
Communication System). For higher data volumes, Wireless LANs (WLANs) offer an excellent
solution for a local area. For wireless communications across a city, state, or country, wireless
metropolitan or wide-area network options are possible solutions.
WLANs provide high-speed, reliable data communications in a building or campus environment
as well as coverage in rural areas. Wireless LANs are simple to install and do not incur monthly
user fees or data transmission charges. WLAN technologies emerged in the 1980s as a viable
alternative to and extension of wired LANs for various business applications. Some of the earliest
uses were associated with bar code data collection activity; Radio Frequency Data Collection
(RFDC) has proliferated in warehousing and retail markets. Healthcare and education are also
fast growing markets for WLANs. Horizontal applications such as e-mail and scheduling, intranet
and Internet access are also expected to accelerate overall market growth. In addition, WLANs
offer cost-effective networking solutions for hard-to-wire and historical buildings, outdoor
events, and on-site training. Users of WLAN systems often see paybacks in six to nine
months and return on investments of 200 to 300 percent.
WIRELESS LAN TECHNOLOGY
In 1999, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) published standard
802.11, which specified a group of technologies governing wireless Ethernet connectivity
between client devices—such as desktop computers, laptops, and personal digital assistants
(PDAs)—and the wireless hubs connected to the physical network. Wireless LANs typically
emulate the wired network’s traditional hub-spoke Configuration and comprise two primary
components: a wireless network interface card (NIC) and an Access point (AP).
The 802.11 standard represents a significant step in electronic-data infrastructure Evolution,
which in the last ten years has proceeded from coax, token ring, and 10/100 Base T Ethernet
cabling to wireless radio transmissions.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WIRED AND WIRELESS LAN
The difference between wired and wireless is that in wired, the communication between two
devices is via cables while in wireless no direct physical connection is employed. Wireless
networks offer huge convenience benefits over standard wired networks. If setup correctly, a
wireless network can be very reliable as compared to wired.
A wired (LAN) is a connection made between computers by the use of wires that carry the
information from one computer to another, through the use of a router in between, Although I
am not sure why you need one. A wireless network can do the same thing as the wired,
although it may be slower. If you cannot run wires to your computer/router and such then a
wireless router, and a car/usb adapter for your computer would be the way to go
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF WIRELESS LAN
The widespread reliance on networking in business and the meteoric growth of the Internet
and online services are strong testimonies to the benefits of shared data and shared resources.
With wireless LANs, users can access shared information without looking for a place to plug
in, and network managers can set up or augment networks without installing or moving wires.
DISADVATAGE OF WIRELESS LAN
The biggest disadvantages of WLAN are actually disadvantages of the laptop computers. The
laptops are still somewhat heavy to carry. The user interface with the mouse in the middle with
several different implementations is nothing good. They just twist the right or left arm
significantly. Using an external mouse requires a GSM phone size extra equipment being
carried with.
The biggest nuisance is the Windows operating system when moving from one environment to
another. There is no easy way to change the environment. The IP address and related
configuration is in the system file which is loaded into the memory. First all changes would
require a reboot. The changes would require an additional program like TCP/IP Switcher or
remembering a number of configuration data somehow.
CONCLUSION
When implementing wireless technologies in a secure network, some points need to be taken
into consideration. Some risks are involved in offering wireless connections in your company.
This chapter covered the different WLAN configurations and how WLANs work. The SAFE
WLAN design techniques can be used to counter the risks of open wireless ports.