1. Exploring the World of Wireless James Taylor - COSC 352 Fall 2007

2. Summary Of Objectives Explain the meaning of Wireless World. The Types How it Works in the Wireless LAN. Understanding the implications of Wireless in the Business World. The future of Wireless. Why the Expanding World of Wireless Advantages and Disadvantages Summary. Questions.

3. What is Wireless? The idea of wireless is the linking of two or more computers without using wires. Simply Wireless gives users the mobility to move around within a broad coverage area and still be connected to the network made possible by modulation technology based on radio waves called spread-spectrum this implementation usually takes place at the physical level or "layer" of the network. Usually three main categories – Local Area Networks (LANs) – Extended LANs – Mobile computing

4. Wireless LANS Wireless Local Area Network uses radio instead of wires to transmit data back and forth between computers on the same network.

5. Wireless Extended LANS A type of wireless network that connects several Wireless LANs. This type uses a telecommunications technology aimed at providing wireless data over long distances in a variety of ways, from point-to-point links to full mobile cellular type access. It is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard. Also known as WiMAX, it allows a user, for example, to browse the Internet on a laptop computer without physically connecting the laptop to a router or switch port via an Ethernet port

6. Mobile device Wireless (GSM) Global System for Mobile Communications : Works in three majors steps base station system: operation & support system. switching system, This is used for cellular phones, is the most common standard. (PCS) Personal Communications Service : it is a radio band that can be used by mobile phones in North America. Sprint happened to be the first service to set up a PCS. D-AMPS (Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service ): This is the upgraded version of AMPS but it is being phased out due to advancement in technology. The newer GSM networks are replacing the older system.

7. Exploring How Wireless LANS works. Just like Wired LANS, but uses infrared (IR) light or Radio Frequency Instead of using twisted-pair or fiber-optic cable. Wireless Network can be set up through the following: –Uses the 802.11 standard allows for transmission over different media. Media (unbounded) include infrared light and two types of radio transmission within the unlicensed frequency band: which are; –(FHSS) frequency hopping spread spectrum : Spread spectrum is a modulation technique developed in the 1940s that spreads a transmission signal over a broad band of radio frequencies. This technique is ideal due to being less susceptible to radio frequency interference. FHSS is limited to a 2-Mbps data transfer rate and is recommended for only very specific applications. –(DSSS) and direct sequence spread spectrum: DSSS is the better choice. The recently released evolution of the IEEE standard, 802.11b, provides for a full Ethernet-like data rate of 11 Mbps over DSSS with a frequency range of 2.4 Ghtz.

8. Understanding the implications of Wireless in the Business World Business owners that want to increase mobility within their areas without delays of running new cabling find that wireless increases their flexibility. Changes can be made in one area or throughout the entire site within a very short time. Some buildings make upgrades to networks almost impossible. Leased buildings or temporary locations make wiring a non-existant option. With wireless, the option to expand is brought back into play. Increasing the scalability and adaptability of the network.

9. Why the Expanding Wireless World? Some of the reasons are: Devices become more available and people are becoming more aware of it. Wireless Computer devices are becoming cheaper Eg. Mobile phones, PDA, Routers Support for wireless devices are readily available on the net, phone and set-step documents available in different forms and types. Eg. Braille prints

10. Advantages from Using Wireless Integrity and reliability: Cost: Compatible with existing networks Eg. Wired LANS Security: 802.11 standard is only the first step in addressing customer security concerns. Security is currently available today for wireless networking, offering up to 128-bit encryption and supporting both the encryption and authentication options of the 802.11 standard. Simplicity and Ease of use

11. Disadvantages Of Wireless Security: issue of wardrivers Licensing laws: For wireless LANs to be sold in a particular country, the manufacturer of the wireless LAN must ensure its certification by the appropriate agency in that country. Wireless systems usually slower than wired networks Scalability: Wireless networks can be designed to be extremely simple or quite complex. Wireless networks can support large numbers of nodes and/or large physical areas by adding access points to boost or extend coverage.

12. The future of Wireless Bluetooth long range wireless devices keep people connected in a world of different ways. wireless GPS tracking device for your car and kids.

13. Summary Flexibility and mobility make wireless LANs both effective extensions and attractive alternatives to wired networks.

14. Questions