Wireless Networks - Comprehensive Exam Notes
1. Introduction to Wireless Technologies
Wireless communication refers to the transfer of information over distances without physical
connectors,
using electromagnetic waves such as radio, microwave, infrared, and satellite signals.
Key Characteristics:
- Uses radio frequency (RF) signals for transmission.
- Enables mobility and flexibility in communication.
- Can be used for personal, industrial, and commercial applications.
Types of Wireless Communication:
- **Radio Communication:** AM/FM radios, walkie-talkies.
- **Microwave Communication:** Used in satellite and point-to-point links.
- **Infrared Communication:** Remote controls, short-range devices.
- **Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:** Wireless networking standards for connectivity.
Advantages:
- Reduces reliance on physical infrastructure.
- Enables global connectivity.
- Facilitates remote access and IoT applications.
Challenges:
- Signal interference from weather, obstacles, and electronic devices.
- Security risks such as hacking and data interception.
- Bandwidth limitations in crowded networks.
2. Transmission Fundamentals
Wireless transmission involves the transfer of data using electromagnetic waves.
Key principles include:
**1. Electromagnetic Spectrum:** Ranges from radio waves to gamma rays.
- **Radio Waves (3 kHz - 300 GHz):** Used in mobile communication and broadcasting.
- **Microwaves (1 GHz - 30 GHz):** Used in satellite and radar communications.
- **Infrared (300 GHz - 400 THz):** Used in remote controls and short-range communication.
**2. Transmission Methods:**
- **Simplex:** One-way communication (e.g., radio broadcast).
- **Half-Duplex:** Two-way but only one device transmits at a time (e.g., walkie-talkies).
- **Full-Duplex:** Simultaneous two-way communication (e.g., mobile phones).
**3. Modulation Techniques:** Modify signals to carry information.
- **Amplitude Modulation (AM):** Varies the strength of the signal.
- **Frequency Modulation (FM):** Varies the frequency of the carrier wave.
- **Phase Modulation (PM):** Varies the phase of the carrier wave.
**4. Multiplexing:** Multiple signals share a transmission channel.
- **Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM)**
- **Time Division Multiplexing (TDM)**
- **Code Division Multiplexing (CDM)**
**5. Signal Propagation Issues:**
- **Attenuation:** Signal loss over distance.
- **Interference:** Overlapping signals disrupt communication.
- **Reflection, Refraction, and Diffraction:** Affect signal direction and strength.
3. Wireless Communication Technologies
Wireless communication includes various technologies:
**1. Cellular Networks (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G):**
- **2G (GSM/CDMA):** Digital voice calls and SMS.
- **3G:** Mobile internet and video calls.
- **4G (LTE):** High-speed broadband for streaming and gaming.
- **5G:** Ultra-low latency, IoT integration, AI-based network optimizations.
**2. Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11):**
- Used for local wireless networking (homes, offices, cafes).
- Supports high-speed data rates (Wi-Fi 6E supports up to 9.6 Gbps).
**3. Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1):**
- Short-range communication (up to 100m).
- Used in headphones, fitness trackers, IoT devices.
**4. Near-Field Communication (NFC):**
- Used for contactless payments and smart cards.
**5. Zigbee & Z-Wave:**
- Low-power wireless communication for home automation and industrial applications.
4. Wireless Networking
Wireless networking consists of various communication methods:
**1. Satellite Communication:**
- Uses GEO, MEO, and LEO satellites.
- Provides broadband, GPS, TV broadcasting.
**2. Cellular Networks:**
- Divides regions into cells with base stations.
- Enables mobile telephony and internet.
**3. Wireless Local Loop (WLL):**
- Provides fixed wireless broadband.
**4. Mobile IP & Wireless Access Protocol (WAP):**
- Mobile IP allows users to maintain an IP address while roaming.
- WAP enables web access on mobile devices.
5. Wireless LANs (IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth)
Wireless LANs allow devices to communicate wirelessly.
**IEEE 802.11 Standards:**
- 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax define Wi-Fi capabilities.
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) supports multi-user connectivity.
**Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1):**
- Short-range (10-100m) communication.
- Used for IoT, mobile accessories, healthcare devices.
6. Application Development (Mobile Device Architecture & Programming)
Mobile applications rely on different architectures.
**1. Mobile Operating Systems:**
- Android (Java/Kotlin-based).
- iOS (Swift/Objective-C).
**2. Mobile Application Types:**
- **Native Apps:** Optimized for one OS.
- **Hybrid Apps:** Work across platforms.
- **Progressive Web Apps (PWAs):** Browser-based apps.
**3. Mobile Features & Sensors:**
- GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope, NFC for payments.
Wireless Networks - Comprehensive Exam Notes
1. Introduction to Wireless Technologies
Wireless communication refers to the transfer of information over distances without physical
connectors,
using electromagnetic waves such as radio, microwave, infrared, and satellite signals.
Key Characteristics:
- Uses radio frequency (RF) signals for transmission.
- Enables mobility and flexibility in communication.
- Can be used for personal, industrial, and commercial applications.
Types of Wireless Communication:
- **Radio Communication:** AM/FM radios, walkie-talkies.
- **Microwave Communication:** Used in satellite and point-to-point links.
- **Infrared Communication:** Remote controls, short-range devices.
- **Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:** Wireless networking standards for connectivity.
Advantages:
- Reduces reliance on physical infrastructure.
- Enables global connectivity.
- Facilitates remote access and IoT applications.
Challenges:
- Signal interference from weather, obstacles, and electronic devices.
- Security risks such as hacking and data interception.
- Bandwidth limitations in crowded networks.
2. Transmission Fundamentals
Wireless transmission involves the transfer of data using electromagnetic waves.
Key principles include:
**1. Electromagnetic Spectrum:** Ranges from radio waves to gamma rays.
- **Radio Waves (3 kHz - 300 GHz):** Used in mobile communication and broadcasting.
- **Microwaves (1 GHz - 30 GHz):** Used in satellite and radar communications.
- **Infrared (300 GHz - 400 THz):** Used in remote controls and short-range communication.
**2. Transmission Methods:**
- **Simplex:** One-way communication (e.g., radio broadcast).
- **Half-Duplex:** Two-way but only one device transmits at a time (e.g., walkie-talkies).
- **Full-Duplex:** Simultaneous two-way communication (e.g., mobile phones).
**3. Modulation Techniques:** Modify signals to carry information.
- **Amplitude Modulation (AM):** Varies the strength of the signal.
- **Frequency Modulation (FM):** Varies the frequency of the carrier wave.
- **Phase Modulation (PM):** Varies the phase of the carrier wave.
**4. Multiplexing:** Multiple signals share a transmission channel.
- **Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM)**
- **Time Division Multiplexing (TDM)**
- **Code Division Multiplexing (CDM)**
**5. Signal Propagation Issues:**
- **Attenuation:** Signal loss over distance.
- **Interference:** Overlapping signals disrupt communication.
- **Reflection, Refraction, and Diffraction:** Affect signal direction and strength.
