Wireless Networking

Overview

One of the most rapidly developing and popular data transmission technologies is wireless networking, which allows you to create a system to share files and resources without wires. Data transfer and connectivity take place through infrared and radio waves. Data transfer occurs at nodes.

To set up a network, you will need a wireless router, network adapter, switch, and wireless enabled systems. You can make your devices wireless ready with wireless Ethernet cards.

Costs will vary based on the brands and speeds that you select. Higher quality and efficient network devices will be more expensive than devices that deliver slower speeds.

Benefits

You will not require wires to share network resources and transfer data. You do not have to spend money on cables and networking connectors. Wireless networks deliver efficient solutions that occupy minimal space. Wireless networks optimize user mobility. You can access your network from anywhere in a particular geographic area. To maximize security, you can require network authorization with a user name and password. Many wireless networks are becoming increasingly secure. You can achieve the same security settings that you would with a wired network.

How It Works

There are two layers though which data transfer takes place. The first layer is the wireless layer that carries signals through surrounding areas. The second layer is the physical layer, which includes any system on the network. The signals have to be carried from the wireless layer to the physical layer and back without any interruptions.

There are different types of wireless networks: Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMAN), and Mobile Wireless Networks.

A WPAN is a small purpose networking system that connects computers within a small area. It usually refers to a connection between two devices like a laptop and a wireless keyboard. A WLAN is a common type of wireless network and is generally used at residences. Wi-Fi is a type of WLAN that requires a Wi-Fi connection with the device for Internet access.

A WMAN is used to connect many WLAN connections in a particular geographical area. This connectivity uses IEEE 802.16d, IEEE 802.16e, and WiMax technology.

Mobile Wireless Networks are used in cell phones, laptops, and smart phones. Utilized applications include a Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service (DAMPS), a Global system for mobile communication (GSM), and Personal Communications Service (PCS).

To setup a home wireless networ, you need a broadband Internet connection and a modem. A wireless router and two wireless network adaptors that connect to the USB slot are required to connect to the Internet. For laptops, a PC card network adaptor will be needed.

You will need to configure your hardware after it is installed. First, connect your wireless router to your Internet modem. After you configure the router, create your settings using a Service Set Identifier (SSID). You will then be ready to connect to the Internet using your wireless network.