Wireless Communication

SLO # 6
Introduction to Wireless
Communication
SLO # 6.1
describe wireless networks with
examples;

SLO # 6.1.1
Wireless Communication
Wireless communication plays a significant
role in day to day life. Besides
communication, wireless technology has
become an integral part of our daily
activities. The transmission of data or
information from one place to another
wirelessly is referred as wireless
communication. This provides an exchange
of data without any conductor through RF
and radio signals. The information is
transmitted across the devices over some
meters to hundreds of kilometers through
well-defined channels.
 describe advantages and
disadvantages of wireless networks;
SLO # 6.1.2
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Wireless Networks
Advantage Disadvantage
• Increased Mobility: Wireless networks allow • Cost: Wireless networks are typically
mobile users to access real-time information inexpensive, but it can cost up to four times
so they can roam around your company’s more to set up a wireless network than to set
space without getting disconnected from the up a wired network in some cases.
network. This increases teamwork and
productivity company-wide that is not
possible with traditional networks.

• Installation Speed and Simplicity: Installing a • Coverage: The range of a wireless network is
wireless network system reduces cables, limited and a typical wireless router will only
which are cumbersome to setup and can allow individuals within 150 to 300 feet to
impose a safety risk, should employees trip access the network.
on them. It can also be installed quickly and
easily, when compared to a traditional
network.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Wireless Networks
Advantage Disadvantage
• Wider Reach of the Network: The wireless • Dependability: Wireless networks are
network can be extended to places in your extremely susceptible to interference so
organization that are not accessible for wires radio signals, radiation and any other similar
and cables. type of interference may cause a wireless
network to malfunction.

• More Flexibility: Should your network • Security: Wireless networks can be accessed
change in the future, you can easily update by any computer within range of the
the wireless network to meet new network's signal so information transmitted
configurations. through the network (including encrypted
information) may be intercepted by
• Reduced Cost of Ownership over unauthorized users.
Time: Wireless networking may carry a
slightly higher initial investment, but the
overall expenses over time are lower. It also
may have a longer lifecycle than a
traditionally connected network.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Wireless Networks
Advantage Disadvantage
• Increased Scalability: Wireless systems can • Speed: Wireless networks are typically slower
be specifically configured to meet the needs than wired networks, sometimes even up to
of specific applications. These can be easily 10 times slower.
changed and scaled depending on your
organization’s needs.
 define the following terms:
a. Radio signals
b. Radio transceivers
c. Access point
d. Line of sight

SLO # 6.1.3
a. Radio signals

Radio communication was one of the first

wireless technology developed and it is
still in use. The portable multi-channel
radios allow the user to communicate
over short distances. Mostly radio
broadcasts sound through the air as radio
waves. Radio has a transmitter which
transmits the data in the form of radio
signals to the receiver antenna.
b. Radio transceivers
A transceiver is a combination
transmitter/receiver in a single
package. The term applies
to wireless communications
devices such as cellular
telephones, cordless telephone
sets, handheld two-way radios,
and mobile two-way radios.
c. Access point

Access point, is a sub-device within the

local area network that provides another
location for devices to connect from and
enables more devices to be on the
network.
d. Line of sight (LoS)

Line of sight (LoS) is a type of propagation

that can transmit and receive data only
where transmit and receive stations are in
view of each other without any sort of an
obstacle between them. FM radio,
microwave and satellite transmission are
examples of line-of-sight communication.
differentiate between long distance
and short distance wireless
communication;
SLO # 6.1.4
Difference Long Distance And Short Distance Wireless
Communication
Long distance wireless communication Short distance wireless communication

It supports communication over a long It supports communication over a short

distance, i.e. up to thousands of distance, i.e. up to few kilometers.
kilometers.

Microwave, radio wave and satellite Bluetooth, infrared, wi-fi, WiMAX are
communication are long distance short distance wireless media.
wireless media.
Short Distance Wireless
Communication
SLO # 6.2
 compare the types of short distance wireless
technologies, i.e. Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi),
Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access
(WiMAX), Bluetooth and Infra-red;

SLO # 6.2.1
Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)
Wi-Fi is a low-cost wireless communication technology.
A Wi-Fi setup consists of a wireless router which serves
a communication hub, linking portable device with an
internet connection. This network facilitates connection
of many devices depending on the router configuration.
These networks are limited in range due to the low
power transmission, allowing the user to connect only
in the proximity.
This network facilitates connection of many devices
depending on the router configuration. These networks
are limited in range due to the low power transmission,
allowing the user to connect only in the proximity.
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Advantages of Wi-Fi
• Information can be transmitted quickly with a high speed and accuracy.
• The internet can be accessed from anywhere, at any time without any cables or wires.
• Emergency situations can be alerted through wireless communication.
• Wireless, no bunches of wire running out.
• Communication can reach where wiring is not feasible and costly.

Disadvantages of Wi-Fi
• An Unauthorized person can easily misuse the wireless signals which spread through the air.
• It is very important to secure the wireless network to protect information.
• High cost to set up the infrastructure.
• Wireless communication is influenced by physical constructions, climatic conditions and
interference from other wireless devices.
Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave
Access (WiMAX)

WiMAX, short for Worldwide

Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a
wireless microwave MAN technology that
provides up to 1 Gbit/s as far as 30 miles
away. WiMAX, the standard was originally
published in 2001. WiMAX can provide
Internet access across cities and even
countries, using various devices for
connectivity. It is a great option for those
who cannot get broadband cable or DSL
access.
In the mid 1990's cell phone companies and service providers started to work on wireless broadband
connection technology. This technology was envisioned as a way to maintain the speed and security
of a hardwired network, but still maintain the low cost of a wireless network. In 1999 the 802.16
standard was developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, or the IEEE. This
technology was released in 2001 but had a small range and was limited to line-of-sight
transmissions. Also in 2001 the WiMAX forum was started which would act as a way to market and
promote the use of the 802.16 standard. This forum is a non profit organization that consists of
members of over 520 companies that share a similar goal to integrate WiMAX technologies into
businesses and with consumers around the world. As this technology has grown over the years it
has seen many spurts of growth. One of the biggest monumental periods of growth was in 2005
when the standard 802.16e was released. This was the first mobile WiMAX system. This
technology is continuing to grow rapidly and we will soon see even faster speeds and more
coverage as WiMAX technology continues to innovate internet capabilities
Advantages of WiMAX
• It supports very high-speed voice and data transfer over longer distances.
• Single WiMAX BS serves hundreds of users.
• It is cheaper alternative to broadband wired technologies viz. ADSL, Cable modem etc.
• Higher speed can be achieved.
• Higher coverage range and cellular like performance are achieved with mobile WiMAX.

Disadvantages of WiMAX
• LOS (Line of Sight) connection is needed for subscribers located at the far distant from the WiMAX BS.
• Bad weather conditions such as rain will interrupt the WiMAX signal and often cause loss of connection.
• WiMAX is power consuming technology and requires significant electrical support.
• High initial cost is needed as it is not backward compatible with any of the wireless cellular technologies.
• Fresh WiMAX BS and towers are required to be installed. This leads to higher initial costs and higher
operational costs due to skilled manpower requirements.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a short-range radio
technology (or wireless
technology) aimed at simplifying
communications among internet
devices and between devices and
the internet. It also aims to
simplify data synchronization
between internet-connected
devices and other computers.
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 Disadvantages of
Advantages of Bluetooth
Bluetooth
• It avoids interference from other wireless • It can lose connection in certain conditions.
devices. • It has low bandwidth as compared to Wi-Fi.
• It has lower power consumption. • It allows only short-range communication
• It is easily upgradeable. between devices.
• It has range better than Infrared communication. • Security is a very key aspect as it +can be
• The Bluetooth is used for voice and data transfer. hacked.

• Bluetooth devices are available at very cheap

cost.
• No line of sight hence can connect through any
obstacles.
• Free to use if the device is installed with
Bluetooth.
• The technology is adopted in many products such
as head set, in car system, printer, web cam, GPS
system, keyboard and mouse.
Infrared
Infrared radiations are
electromagnetic radiations with
longer wavelengths than visible
light. These are usually used for
short-range communications.
These signals do not pass through
solid objects.
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 Disadvantages of
Advantages of Bluetooth
Bluetooth
• It provides secured communication due to • Infrared frequencies are affected by
line of sight or point-to-point mode of hard objects (e.g. walls, doors) , smoke,
communication. dust, fog, sunlight etc. Hence it does not
• The battery used in infrared devices last for work through walls or doors.
long duration due to lower power • Infrared waves at high power can
consumption. damage eyes.
• It supports shorter range and hence it
performance degrades with longer
distances.
Long Distance Wireless
Communication
SLO # 6.3
explain mobile (cellular)
communication;

SLO # 6.3.1
Mobile (Cellular) Communication
A cellular network or mobile network is a communication network where
the last link is wireless. The network is distributed over land areas called
"cells", each served by at least one fixed-location transceiver, but more
normally, three cell sites or base transceiver stations. These base stations
provide the cell with the network coverage which can be used for
transmission of voice, data, and other types of content. A cell typically
uses a different set of frequencies from neighboring cells, to avoid
interference and provide guaranteed service quality within each cell.
describe the role of components required
for mobile communication (mobile phone,
base station, switching node, landline
telephone network);

SLO # 6.3.2
Mobile phones
A mobile phone is an electronic device used
for mobile telecommunications over a cellular
network of specialized base stations known as
cell sites. A cell phone offers full Duplex
Communication and transfer the link when
the user moves from one cell to another. As
the phone user moves from one cell area to
another, the system automatically commands
the mobile phone and a cell site with a
stronger signal, to switch on to a new
frequency in order to keep the link.
Base station
A base station is a fixed point of
communication for customer cellular
phones on a carrier network.
The base station is connected to
an antenna (or multiple antennae) that
receives and transmits the signals in the
cellular network to customer phones and
cellular devices. That equipment is
connected to a mobile switching station that
connects cellular calls to the public switched
telephone network (PSTN).
A single base station may extend the service
providers network by blocks or by miles.
Base stations are company-specific.
Switching Nodes
When two nodes communicate with each other
over a dedicated communication path, it is
called circuit switching. There is a need of
pre-specified route from which data will travels
and no other data is permitted. In circuit
switching, to transfer the data, circuit must be
established so that the data transfer can take
place.
Circuits can be permanent or temporary.
Applications which use circuit switching may
have to go through three phases:
• Establish a circuit
• Transfer the data
• Disconnect the circuit
Land Line Telephone Networks
Local, regional and national
telecommunications companies operate
the PSTN. The connected
circuit-switching public telephone
networks allows for landline telephone
calls to be made. Today, both homes and
businesses use the PSTN to call one
another. PSTN stands for Public Switched
Telephone Network. When two
telephones are connected, analog voice
data is transmitted over the copper wires
of the PSTN. The voice data is then
converted into electrical signals which
are eventually routed in the switching
centers. Finally, a connection is made and
communication is possible.
describe the limitations of mobile
communication system;

SLO # 6.3.3
Limitations of mobile communication systems

1) Insufficient bandwidth:
Mobile Internet access is generally slower than direct cable connections higher speed wireless
LANs are inexpensive but have very limited range.

2) Security standards:
Security is a major concern while concerning the mobile computing standards on the fleet.
One can easily attack the VPN through a huge number of networks interconnected through
the line.

3) Power consumption:
When a power outlet or portable generator is not available, mobile computers must rely
entirely on battery power. Combined with the compact size of many mobile devices, this often
means unusually expensive batteries must be used to obtain the necessary battery life.
Limitations of mobile communication systems

4) Transmission interferences:
Weather, terrain, and the range from the nearest signal point can all interfere with signal
reception. Reception in tunnels, some buildings, and rural areas is often poor.

5) Potential health hazards:

People who use mobile devices while driving are often distracted from driving and are thus
assumed more likely to be involved in traffic accidents. Cell phones may interfere with
sensitive medical devices. There are allegations that cell phone signals may cause health
problems.

6) Human interface with device:

Screens and keyboards tend to be small, which may make them hard to use. Alternate input
methods such as speech or handwriting recognition require training.
explain Global Positioning System
(GPS);

SLO # 6.3.4
Global Positioning System (GPS)

Stands for "Global Positioning System." GPS is a satellite navigation system used to determine
the ground position of an object. GPS technology was first used by the United States military
in the 1960s and expanded into civilian use over the next few decades. Today, GPS receivers
are included in many commercial products, such as automobiles, smartphones, exercise
watches, and GIS devices.

The GPS system includes 24 satellites deployed in space about 12,000 miles (19,300
kilometers) above the earth's surface. They orbit the earth once every 12 hours at an
extremely fast pace of roughly 7,000 miles per hour (11,200 kilometers per hour). The
satellites are evenly spread out so that four satellites are accessible via direct line-of-sight
from anywhere on the globe.
How Global Positioning System (GPS) works?
 differentiate among Geostationary
Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, Medium
Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites and Low
Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites;

SLO # 6.3.5
Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites
These Satellites are placed at 35,900kms (same as Geosynchronous) above the Earth’s
Equator and they keep on rotating with respect to earth’s direction (west to east).

Geostationary Earth Orbit Satellites are used for weather forecasting, satellite TV,
satellite radio and other types of global communications.
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites will orbit at distances of about 8000 miles from
earth's surface. Signals transmitted from a MEO satellite travel a shorter distance. Due
to this, the signal strength at the receiving end gets improved. This shows that smaller
and light weight receiving terminals can be used at the receiving end.

Transmission delay can be defined as the time it takes for a signal to travel up to a
satellite and back down to a receiving station. In this case, there is less transmission
delay. Because, the signal travels for a shorter distance to and from the MEO satellite.
For real-time communications, the shorter the transmission delay, the better will be
the communication system. As an example, if a GEO satellite requires 0.25 seconds for
a round trip, then MEO satellite requires less than 0.1 seconds to complete the same
trip. MEOs operate in the frequency range of 2 GHz and above.
These satellites are used for High speed telephone signals. Ten or more MEO satellites
are required in order to cover entire earth.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites
Low Earth Orbit LEO) satellites are mainly classified into three categories. Those are
little LEOs, big LEOs, and Mega-LEOs. LEOs will orbit at a distance of 500 to 1000
miles above the earth's surface. These satellites are used for satellite phones and GPS.

This relatively short distance reduces transmission delay to only 0.05 seconds. This
further reduces the need for sensitive and bulky receiving equipment. Twenty or more
LEO satellites are required to cover entire earth.
LEO,MEO & GEO
Coverage of GEO,MEO & LEO
define the following wireless protocols:
a. Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)
b. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) protocol

SLO # 6.3.6
Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)
• WAP stands for Wireless Application Protocol.
• It is a protocol designed for micro-browsers and it enables the access of internet in
the mobile devices.
• It uses the mark-up language WML (Wireless Markup Language and not HTML),
WML is defined as XML 1.0 application.
• It enables creating web applications for mobile devices.
• In 1998, WAP Forum was founded by Ericson, Motorola, Nokia and Unwired Planet
whose aim was to standardize the various wireless technologies via protocols.
Wired Equivalent Privacy WEP 
• WEP (wired equivalent privacy) is a standard network protocol that adds security
to Wi-Fi and other 802.11 wireless networks.
• WEP was designed to give wireless networks the same level of privacy protection
as a comparable wired network, but technical flaws greatly limit its usefulness.
• Newer, stronger protection standards have replaced WEP as the default for most
modern networks.