Wireless Networking

Wireless Networking History and Implications

In the Beginning • Marconi found in the 1890s that he could transmit electrical signals over two lines that were disconnected • Wireless Telegraph and Signal Company • Tesla held the first patent but Marconi is credited as being the “Father of Radio”

Overseas Communication • In 1901 the first intercontinental wireless message was received • The letter “S” • 1927 Came the first commercial radiotelephone service between the U.S. and Britain

The 60s and 70s • The Telstar satellite was launched into space in 1962 • ARPANET was commissioned in 1968 • The fist packet-switched networks came into play • The first wireless network was created in Hawaii (ALOHANET)

Since the ALOHANET • The internet boom • The 802.11 standardizing wireless networking in 1997 • WiFi Hot-Spots in coffee shops, hotels and airports

Security Implications • Over-Air communications can be sniffed fairly easily using free applications • Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) • TJ Max Having their credit card machines send credit card information using WEP • WiFi Protected Access (WPA)

Wrap-Up and the Future • Wireless has been around for over a century • Since the University of Hawaii’s ALOHANET we have seen wireless networks all over. • Wi-MAX

The End

Wireless Networking