07-01-2011, 05:23 PM
[attachment=8019]
Submitted By
Faisal
Introduction
Wireless Technology is an alternative to Wired Technology, which is commonly used, for connecting devices in wireless mode.
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a generic term that refers to the IEEE 802.11 communications standard for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs).
Wi-Fi Network connect computers to each other, to the internet and to the wired network.
The Wi-Fi Technology
Wi-Fi Networks use Radio Technologies to transmit & receive data at high speed:
IEEE 802.11b
IEEE 802.11a
IEEE 802.11g
IEEE 802.11b
Appear in late 1999
Operates at 2.4GHz radio spectrum
11 Mbps (theoretical speed) - within 30 m Range
4-6 Mbps (actual speed)
100 -150 feet range
Most popular, Least Expensive
Interference from mobile phones and Bluetooth devices which can reduce the transmission speed.
IEEE 802.11a
Introduced in 2001
Operates at 5 GHz (less popular)
54 Mbps (theoretical speed)
15-20 Mbps (Actual speed)
50-75 feet range
More expensive
Not compatible with 802.11b
How a Wi-Fi Network Works
Basic concept is same as Walkie talkies.
A Wi-Fi hotspot is created by installing an access point to an internet connection.
An access point acts as a base station.
When Wi-Fi enabled device encounters a hotspot the device can then connect to that network wirelessly.
A single access point can support up to 30 users and can function within a range of 100 – 150 feet indoors and up to 300 feet outdoors.
Many access points can be connected to each other via Ethernet cables to create a single large network.
Wi-Fi Network Topologies
AP-based topology (Infrastructure Mode)
Peer-to-peer topology (Ad-hoc Mode)
Point-to-multipoint bridge topology
