Wireless Networking

• What is a Wireless Network?

  There are two ways of connecting nodes on the network. Some networks are connected with cabling, others are wireless. Wireless networks use high frequency radio signals, infrared light beams, or laser to communicate between the workstations, the file server or the hubs. Each workstation and file server on the wirelss network has a transceiver or antenna to sent and receive the data. Information gets relayed between transceivers as if they were physically connected with cables.

  For longer distance, wireless communications can also take place through cellular telephone technology, microwave transmission, or by satellite.

• Use of Wireless Networks

  Wireless networks are benificial in allowing laptop computers or remote computers to connect to the network. In older buildings, where it may be difficult or impossible to install cables wireless networks are implimanted as the solution of connectivity problems.

• Types of Infrared Communictions:

  • Line-of-Sight

    Line-of-sight communication means that there must be an unblocked direct line between the workstation and the transceiver.If there is any movement within the line-of-sight (a person walking by) while there is a transmission, the information would need to be sent again in order to be received. This kind of obstruction can slow down the wireless network.

  • Scattered Broadcast

    Scattered infrared communication is a broadcast of infrared transmissions sent out in multiple directions.This broadcast bounces off walls and ceilings until it eventually hits the receiver.

• Wireless Network Disadvantages:

  • Provide poor security

  • Susceptible to interference from lights and electronic devices

  • Wireless networks are slower than physically cabled networks