Wireless Networks (WLAN)

1. Wireless Networks(WLAN) BY: Priscilla Solis Ibrahima Diallo Dania Ibrahim Alma Garrido Erik Torres

2. What is wireless networking? • Technically, wireless networking refers to any data exchange between PCs and other devices which doesn’t involve cables. • Connecting to a wireless hotspot in a cafe, sending data from your PC to a handheld computer using an infrared link, or synching data between your mobile phone and notebook via Bluetooth are all examples of wireless networking.

3. Wireless Networking-continue • Although any technology that does this could be called wireless networking, the term generally refers to wireless LANs (WLAN). A WLAN is a grouping of network components connected by electromagnetic (radio) waves instead of cables. • A wireless LAN basically consists of: the network backbone; end-user devices suchas data collection units, handheld computers and laptops; wireless LAN access points; wireless cards; and software that will help you manage the network.

4. Wireless Network-continue • The history of wireless networking was over fifty years ago, during World War II, when the United States Army first used radio signals for data transmission. They developed a radio data transmission technology, which was heavily encrypted. • This inspired a group of researchers in 1971 at the University of Hawaii to create the first packet based radio communications network. Named ALOHNET, was the very first wireless local area network (WLAN).

5. Wireless Network-continue • This first WLAN consisted of 7 computers that communicated in a bi-directional star topology (see http://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/fs-1037/ and http://www.webopedia.com/ -- both are excellent sources of computer and telecommunication terms and definitions) that spanned four of the Hawaiian Islands. • With the central computer based on Oahu Island. With this, wireless networking was born.

6. Wireless Networking-continue • While wired LANs have wholly dominated the networking market, the last few years show a rise in wireless networking usage. • This can best be seen in academic circles (i.e. University campuses), health-care, manufacturing, and warehousing. All the while, the technology is improving, making it easier and cheaper from companies to go wireless.

7. Wireless Setup How to setup a wireless home Network?

8. Wireless Networking-steps • Install the adapter according to the manufacturer's instructions. (If you are using a PCI adapter, you'll have to turn off the computer, open the casing, insert the adapter into a free PCI slot, and restart the computer.) • Windows will detect the adapter and prompt you to install the driver on the included CD-ROM.

9. Wireless Networking steps-continue • Install the network software that usually comes with the hardware. You will be prompted for the computer's name, and asked if the current computer is meant to be the server or client for Internet access. • Restart the computer.

10. Wireless Networking steps-continue • Now you have to create a profile--the collection of settings that let you use the network. You can have several different profiles, so that if you take your laptop to the office or the local networked coffee house, you have only to switch profiles to instantly connect to their network. To create a profile, run the configuration program that's part of the network software. • Set the mode to ad hoc (the mode may be set as peer-to-peer) if you're not using an access point, or infrastructure if you are. #

11. Wireless Networking steps-continue • Enter the network name. • If you're using an ad hoc network, set the channel (a number from 1 to 11). All adapters on a network must use the same channel. (With an infrastructure network, the client automatically configures itself to the channel with the strongest signal.)

12. Wireless Networking steps-continue • Enter your encryption key--a series of letters and numbers, like a password--according to the vendor's instructions. • What are you waiting for? Grab your notebook, head out to the veranda, and check your e-mail.

13. Trouble Shooting • Trouble shooting means to poke around a computers data system looking for things out of order. • A few steps to follow: • Consult your product vendors for support or your help desk representative. • Read the literature that came with the software or peripheral.

14. Trouble Shooting-continue • If you change something and it does not solve the problem change it back. You do not want to make your problems worse. • Take one step at a time and document everything so you can undo everything if necessary. • Visit the vendors website to see if there is any information on that product and how to trouble shoot problems with it, apply any patch available to resolve your problem. With Microsoft products most times you can install a service pack or patch and your problems will be resolved.

15. Material List • Accesses point • Antenna • Ethernet Card • Wireless Router • Ethernet Switch

16. 54 Mbps 802.11g $19.99 NETGEAR Instant Wireless WAP11, 802.11b $59.99 Linksys Dual-Band Wireless A+G 808.11a,b,g $169.99 Linksys WA840G 802.11g $69.99 Motorola Top Sellers Access Points

17. 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point, 802.11g • Works with both IEEE 802.11b + draft 802.11g (both 2.4 GHz) • Speeds of up to 54 Mbps • Office roaming for notebook PC users • Shared broadband Internet access and resources • 128-bit WEP encryption • Radio Frequency • Manufacturer: NETGEAR

18. Instant Wireless • High-Speed Transfer Rate of Up to 11 Mbps • Interoperable with IEEE 802.11b (DSSS) 2.4GHzcompliant Equipment • Provides Roaming, Best Access Point Selection, Load Balancing, and Network Traffic Filtering • Long Operating Range Supports 150m (indoor) and 500m (outdoor) • Adjustable Antennas Provide for Physical Configuration • Wireless Access Point Roaming and Bridging • MAC Address Filtering, IP Filtering, DHCP Client, and SNMP Configuration Utility Password Protection • 128-bit Hardware WEP Supported • Compatible with Virtually All Major Operating Systems • Manufacturer: Linksys

19. Access Point • Access Point, Bridge and Repeater. • Coverage area:100m (inside) 300m (outside) • Modulation: Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum • Speed Options: Data rate selection (11M/5.5M/2M/1M) • RF Output Power: 23dBm (200mW) and 13 dBm

20. Powerline 54Mbps Wall-Plugged $99.99 NETGEAR Wifi Locator-Wifi Signal Detector, 802.11b,g $9.99 Hawking Technology High Gain Antenna kit for TNC Connectors $69.99 Linksys AirPlus G High Speed 2.4GHZ, 802.11g,b $79.99 D-Link Top Seller Antennas

21. AirPlus G • Maximum wireless signal rate based on IEEE Standard 802.11g specifications • LEDS: Power, LAN, WLAN • Encryption & Security: 64 bit WEP & 128 bit WEP. • Maximum Data Rate: 54 Mbps

22. 6700G Plug & Share Wireless Notebook Adapter, 802.11g Features: 54 Mbps data transmission speed Interoperates with all 802.11b or g compliant devices WEP Encryption Wireless protocol 802.11g Radio Frequency 2.4Ghz $9.99 Ethernet Card

23. NIC Card • Frequency Range: 2412~2484 MHz • Modulation: Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum • Data Rate: 11, 5.5, 2 or 1 Mbps, auto-select • Channels: US: 11

24. 6800G Plug & Share Wireless Router, 802.11g $19.99 Manufacturer: AT&T 6850G, 802.11g Wireless Router $29.99 AT&T Connect at speed up to 108 Mbps Wireless Routers

25. 6800G Plug& Share Wireless Router • Connect at speeds up to 54 Mbps • Stay online and connected to your network from room to room in your home or office • Avoid the expense of structured wired installations • Four RJ-45 compatible LAN Ports • One RJ-45 compatible WAN Port • Integrated firewall with VPN pass-through • WEP Encryption

26. Switch • Transmission: Half/full-duplex, 10/100Mbps is auto-negotiation for STP • Up-link port: Independent port • Max. Forwarding rate: 148,800 packets per second

27. $9.99 Manufacturer: NETGEAR Plug & Play installation, no configuration Auto-detects speed and duplex 100 Mbps access/200 Mbps in full-duplex Vertical option saves space on your desk Designed specifically for home and small office users with rear ports that reduce cable clutter, and front status lights for easy monitoring. 5-port Fast Ethernet Switch

28. Wireless Security • Disadvantage-It is easier for a hacker to access a network that is wireless than a network that is cabled. • Solution-WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encrypts data sent over a wireless network. To gain access you must know the network name (SSID) and have a password for the network. The SSID and passwords are usually changed. • More advanced system is WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) which provides individual users authentication as well more secure encryption. Note only effective if support is built into the operating system (Windows XP), anything earlier is not compatible.

29. ConclusionFuture of Wireless Networks • Increased use of laptop computers within the enterprise, and increase in worker mobility have fuelled the demand for wireless networks. Note that like any other technology, there are challenges associated with the use of WLANs But with the maturing of industry standards and the deployment of lightweight wireless networking hardware across a broad market section, wireless technology has come of age.The technology no doubt has witnessed increased acceptance in the last few years not only within the enterprise, but also within the home, public access, and embedded device markets. This is made possible not only by improvements in performance and manageability but also security and interoperability as well and thegeneral decrease in price.

30. Works Cited • http://netsecurity.about.com/od/hackertools/a/aa072004b.htm • http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/index.php/id;1395397229 • http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/0,10801,86951,00.html • http://vvmicrosystems.com/education.html