DFC20293 Network and Data Communication 4.1
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arfidzulChapter 4:
Wireless Technologies
4.1 Explain how WLAN enable network connectivity.
✓ Explain the benefits of WLAN.
✓ Identify types of Wireless Networks.
✓ Identify Wireless Technologies.
✓ Identify 802.11 Standards (a, b, g, n, ac, ax).
Learning ✓ Identify WLAN components.
Outcomes ✓ Identify 802.11 Wireless Topology Modes.
✓ Explain Basic Service Set (BSS) and an Extended
Service Set (ESS).
Introduction to Wireless
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Benefits of Wireless
• A Wireless LAN (WLAN) is a network that enables wireless
connectivity and communication between devices.
• It connects nodes (the connection point among network
devices that send and receive data from one endpoint to
another) using wireless communication, allowing for more
freedom of movement.
• It is commonly used in homes, offices, and campus environment.
• WLANs make mobility possible within the home and business
environments.
Types of Wireless Networks
Four types of wireless networks:
a. Wireless Personal-Area Network (WPAN)
b. Wireless LANs (WLAN)
c. Wireless MANs (WMAN)
d. Wireless WAN(WWANs)
Wireless Personal Area Networks
(WPAN)
• Low power and short-range (within 10 meters).
• Based on IEEE 802.15 standard and 2.4 GHz frequency.
• Examples: Bluetooth and Zigbee.
Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN)
• Medium sized networks up to about 300 feet.
• Based on IEEE 802.11 standard and 2.4 GHz or 5.0 GHz
frequency.
• Examples: Home or Office Wi-Fi.
Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks
(WMAN)
• Large geographic area such as city or district.
• Uses specific licensed frequencies.
• Examples: WiMAX, Networking between buildings and
university campuses.
Wireless Wide Area Networks
(WWAN)
• Extensive geographic area for national or global communication.
• Uses specific licensed frequencies.
• Examples: Cellular network, Satellite broadband.
Wireless Technologies
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Types of Wireless Technologies
Four types of wireless technologies:
a. Bluetooth
b. WiMAX
c. Cellular Broadband
d. Satellite Broadband
Bluetooth
• IEEE WPAN standard used for device pairing at up to 300ft
(100m) distance.
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) – Used for sensor device sending
small bits of data, using very little energy.
• Bluetooth Classic/Basic Rate/Enhanced Rate (BR/EDR) –
Supports point-to-point topologies and is optimized for audio
streaming.
WiMAX
• WiMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave
Access.
• It is an alternative to broadband wired internet connections.
• It is based on IEEE 802.16 WLAN standard for up 30 miles (50
km).
Cellular Broadband
• Cellular broadband carry both voice and data.
• It is used by phones, automobiles, tablets, and laptops.
• Network mode: GSM, CDMA, LTE, 4G, 5G
Satellite Broadband
• Uses directional satellite dish aligned with satellite in
geostationary orbit. Needs clear line of site.
• Typically used in rural locations where cable and DSL are
unavailable.
Wireless Standards
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802.11 Standards
802.11 WLAN standards define how radio frequencies are used for wireless links.
IEEE Standard Radio Frequency Description
802.11 2.4 GHz Data rates up to 2 Mb/s
802.11a 5 GHz Data rates up to 54 Mb/s
Not interoperable with 802.11b or 802.11g
802.11b 2.4 GHz Data rates up to 11 Mb/s
Longer range than 802.11a and better able to penetrate
building structures
802.11g 2.4 GHz Data rates up to 54 Mb/s
Backward compatible with 802.11b
802.11n 2.4 and 5 GHz Data rates 150 – 600 Mb/s
Require multiple antennas with MIMO technology
802.11ac 5 GHz Data rates 450 Mb/s – 1.3 Gb/s
Supports up to eight antennas
802.11ax 2.4 and 5 GHz Data rates up to 2.4 Gb/s
Radio Frequencies
WLAN networks operate in the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency
bands.
• 2.4 GHz – 802.11b/g/n/ax
• 5 GHz – 802.11a/n/ac/ax
Higher data rate,
shorter range
Slower data rate,
longer range
WLAN Components
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Wireless NICs
• To communicate wirelessly, laptops, tablets, smart phones,
and even the latest automobiles include integrated wireless
NICs that incorporate a radio transmitter/receiver.
• If a device does not have an integrated wireless NIC, then a
USB wireless adapter can be used.
Wireless Home Router
• A home user typically interconnects wireless devices using a
small, wireless router.
• Wireless routers serve as the following:
➢ Access point – To provide wirelesss access
➢ Switch – To interconnect wired devices
➢ Router - To provide a default gateway to
other networks and the Internet
Wireless Access Point
• Wireless clients use their wireless NIC to discover nearby access
points (APs).
• Clients then attempt to associate and authenticate with an AP.
• After being authenticated, wireless users have access to
network resources.
Wireless Antenna
Types of external antennas:
• Omnidirectional – Provide 360-degree
coverage. Ideal in houses and office areas.
• Directional – Focus the radio signal in a
specific direction. Examples are the Yagi
and parabolic dish.
• Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) –
Uses multiple antennas (Up to eight) to
increase bandwidth.
WLAN Operation
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802.11 Wireless Topology Modes
Types of external antennas:
• Ad hoc mode - Used to connect clients in
peer-to-peer manner without an AP.
• Infrastructure mode - Used to connect
clients to the network using an AP.
• Tethering - Variation of the ad hoc topology
is when a smart phone or tablet with
cellular data access is enabled to create a
personal hotspot.
BSS and ESS
Infrastructure mode defines two topology blocks:
Basic Service Set (BSS)
•Uses single AP to interconnect all associated
wireless clients.
•Clients in different BSSs cannot communicate.
Extended Service Set (ESS)
• A union of two or more BSSs interconnected by
a wired distribution system.
• Clients in each BSS can communication through
the ESS.
Wireless Client and AP Association
For wireless devices to communicate
over a network, they must first
associate with an AP or wireless router.
Wireless devices complete the
following three stage process:
• Discover a wireless AP
• Authenticate with the AP
• Associate with the AP
Wireless Client and AP Association
To achieve successful association, a wireless client and an AP
must agree on specific parameters:
• SSID – The client needs to know the name of the network to connect.
• Password – This is required for the client to authenticate to the AP.
• Network mode – The 802.11 standard in use.
• Security mode – The security parameter settings, i.e. WEP, WPA, or
WPA2.
• Channel settings – The frequency bands in use.
Passive and Active Discover Mode
Wireless clients connect to the AP using a passive or active
scanning (probing) process.
• Passive mode – AP openly advertises
its service by periodically sending
broadcast beacon frames containing
the SSID, supported standards, and Passive mode
security settings.
• Active mode – Wireless clients must
know the name of the SSID. The
wireless client initiates the process by
broadcasting a probe request frame
on multiple channels. Active mode
End of Topic 4.1
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