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INSIDE
What is Wi-Fi
How Wi-Fi works
Security concern
Applications
Advantages and Disadvantages
Conclusion
What is WI-FI
This is wireless fidelity.
Wi-Fi is a wireless network protocol often used for wireless local Area networks (WLANS).
It enables multiple devices to share a single high-speed Internet connection over a distance of about 300 feet.
WLANs are local area networks of PCs without wires.
Data transmission is through air using radio frequency or infrared frequency instead of wires.
They are especially useful in educational and research institutes, offices, libraries and also can be used in any other public place like shopping malls, theatres, airports etc.
HOW WI-FI WORKS
The IEEE 802.11 standard that enables the Wi-Fi technology, proposes two different ways to configure a network.
Ad-hoc network
Infrastructure network
AD-HOC NETWORK
In the ad-hoc type of network, the computer network is formed dynamically when a group of devices come together, say laptops in conference room.
The coverage area is as such small, confined to small room like conference room.
There are no fix access points.
Each node is able to communicate with every other node.
Here the nodes have to act both as the access points and stations.
The ad-hoc network uses a certain frequency for communication and any device that wants to be a member of the network must use the same frequency.
INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORK
Infrastructure network, consists of a fixed infrastructure.
The network is made up of fixed access points that are used to communicate by nodes.
The fixed access points can be connected to other wired or wireless networks to extend the network coverage.
Each access point can cater to more than one node at a time.
However as the number of devices increases, the transmission rate decreases and there is need for more number of access points.
SECURITY CONCERNS
All network technologies have to security features to prevent eavesdropping, unauthorised tapping and corruption of signal.
Security loopholes can lead to loss of data, service of hacking.
Securing a wireless network is difficult compared to wire network because there are a number of physical points that can be intruded whereas in a wireless network, the network can be intruded anywhere.
Security in Wi-Fi can be provided by two ways,
Authentication
Encryption
AUTHENTICATION
Authentication is the technique by which it is verified whether a station that wants to communicate with another station or access point that has the authorization to do so or not within the coverage area of that access point.
Authentication is established between an access point and each station.
ENCRYPTION
Encryption is a popular method of providing security.
In this methods the data is to be transmitted is encrypted that is coded using an encryption algorithm.
The receiver will have its equivalent decryption key and the original data is restored.
Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) is a standard method used for encryption.
Though it is not a completely foolproof method, it is sufficient to provide first level of security.
MYRIAD APPLICATIONS
The primary and most important application of WLAN is for internet connection.
Multiple users can share the same high speed connection. This is very economical when the number of users is more as no additional cost is incurred for wires and other accessories.
The use of WLAN in place of wired LAN provides flexibility in up gradation of network. Whenever a new machine has to be inducted into the network all that needs to be done is configuration. No cables, no hassles. Moreover, the work place looks clean and relocation is easy. Also shared devices like printers, scanners etc can be easily ported.
WLANs are also used to transmit voice within the coverage region. LAN phones are devices that are used to communicate with each other in the coverage region. They are extremely useful for local communication within a building or between adjacent buildings, hostels, hotels etc.
No monthly rental needs to be paid like the normal telephones and installations are also simple.
The process becomes faster and the area looks tider.
It is also economical.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Free network devices from cables, allows for a more dynamic network to grown.
While connected on a Wi-Fi network, it is possible to move about without breaking the network connection.
Power consumption is fairly high compared to other standards, making battery life and heat concern.
It is not always configured properly.
It has limited range.
CONCLUSION
Wireless network will soon replace the wired networks thereby reducing the clutter of wires and providing for cleaner workspaces at office with increased portability and better security measures together with higher transmission rates and greater coverage area.
The technology promises transmission of data, including songs and movies, at sizzling speeds from any locations wirelessly.
The wonder technology will keep surprising us with its boundless possibilities in times to come.