Wireless Networks

Wireless Networks

Introduction: Transformation of information between two or more points that are not connected by electrical conductor is called wireless. The common methods of achieving wireless communication are Radio waves, Micro waves, Electromagnetic waves, light waves and sound waves. General example of wiles communication devices include Radio, Cellular communications, GPS, Wireless Mics, Wireless Keyboard/Mouse, Headsets etc.,

Definition: Wireless Network is a type of network that uses wireless data connections for connecting nodes. These networks generally use radio waves for communication. There is really no difference how you use your networked computer, whether it’s connected to the network by a cable or by a wireless networking device. Whether you’re sharing files, a printer, your entertainment system, or the Internet over the network, the procedures are the same on a Wireless network as on a wired network. But following are the some of the advantages of wireless networks over wired networks.

Advantages: (Wired versus Wireless)

»      Portable: You can take your computing device anywhere in the house and be on the network. Even if you have a huge house, you can interconnect wireless access points to have a whole home wireless network.

»      Flexible: You’re not limited to where a jack is on the wall; you can network anywhere.

»      Cost effective: You can start wireless networking for a couple of hundred dollars. Your wiring contractor can’t do much with that!

»      Clean: You won’t have to tear down walls or trip over wires when they come out from underneath the carpeting.

Drawbacks of Wireless:

Potential drawbacks to wireless networks compared with wired networks fall into four categories:

»      Data speed: Wireless networking equipment does transmit data at slower speeds than wired networking equipment. Wired networks are already networking at gigabit speeds, although the fastest wireless networking standards tops out at 54 Mbps.

»      Radio signal range: Wireless signals fade when you move away from the source. Some homes, especially older homes, might be built from materials that tend to block the radio signals used by wireless networking equipment, causing even faster signal degradation. If your home has plaster walls that contain a wire mesh, the wireless networking equipment’s radio signal might not reach all points in your home.

»      Radio signal interference: The most common type of wireless networking technology uses a radio frequency that’s also used by other home devices, such as microwave ovens and portable telephones. Some home wireless network users, as a consequence, experience network problems caused by radio signal interference.

»       Security: The radio signal from a wireless network doesn’t stop at the outside wall of your home. A neighbour or even a total stranger could access your network from an adjoining property or from the street unless you implement some type of security technology to prevent unauthorized access.