Wireless LAN

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What is Wireless LAN?

A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a flexible data communication system implemented as an extension to, or as an alternative for, a wired LAN within a building or campus. Using electromagnetic waves, WLANs transmit and receive data over the air, minimizing the need for wired connections. Thus, WLANs combine data connectivity with user mobility, and, through simplified configuration, enable movable LANs.

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CORPORATE CAMPUS

HOSPITALS

BRANCH OFFICES

HOT SPOTS HOME OFFICE

AIRPORTS, HOTELS CONVENTION CENTERS BUSINESS TOWERS

SHOPING CENTRES RETAIL STORE OWNERS

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Organizations That Set WLAN Standards

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Wireless standards
There are several different wireless standards such as : WiFi certification 802.11a standard 802.11b standard 802.11g standard

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WiFi Certification
WiFi is an abbreviation for "wireless fidelity" and is used most often for 802.11 devices that have passed the WiFi certification testing. This certification assures the consumer that the wireless LAN device will work with other WiFi devices.

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802.11a Standard
802.11a operates at radio frequencies between 5GHz* and 6 GHz. It uses a modulation scheme known as orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM*) that makes possible data speeds as high as 54 Mbps, but most commonly, communications takes place at 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, or 24 Mbps.

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802.11b Standard
The 802.11b specification is defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). 802.11b and its derivatives are based on the Ethernet networking protocol. They operate in the 2.4 GHz range offering data speeds up to 11 megabits per second.

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802.11g Standard
802.11g is the latest wireless LAN technology designed for higher performance and security. 802.11g is 802.11b-compliant, therefore will work with current 802.11b devices. 802.11g works in the 2.4GHz range and transfers up to 54Mbps.

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802.11b
Ratified Frequency band No of channels Transmission 1999 2.4 GHz 3 DSSS DSSS

802.11g
2003 2.4 GHz 3 OFDM 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54

802.11a
1999 5 GHz Up to 12 OFDM 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54

Data rates [Mbps]

1, 2, 5.5, 11

1, 2, 5.5, 11

Throughput [Mbps]

Up to 6

Up to 30

Up to 32

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Wireless LAN Technology Options

Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum Technology Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum Technology Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

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Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) The FHSS method transmits the useful signal using permanently changing carrier frequencies. The constant frequency changes make signal interception extremely difficult. The frequency change is rhythmic, and the rhythm must be known to the receiver, that is to say, transmitter and receiver must be synchronized prior to data transmission.

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Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)

Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) uses one channel to send data across all frequencies within that channel The DSSS method spreads the useful signal over a channel's available frequency range. Spreading makes the useful signal appear to be noise, thus protecting it against tapping.

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Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)

The OFDM method divides the data stream into parallel data streams. Each data stream is transmitted with its own carrier frequency

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Wireless LAN Operating Modes

Ad-Hoc Infrastructure

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Ad-hoc Mode
Ad-hoc mode (also called peer-to-peer mode or an Independent Basic Service Set, or IBSS) is simply a set of 802.11 wireless stations that communicate directly with one another without using an access point or any connection to a wired network. This mode is useful for quickly and easily setting up a wireless network anywhere that a wireless infrastructure does not exist or is not required.

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Ad-hoc Mode

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Infrastructure Mode
In Infrastructure mode, the wireless network consists of at least one access point connected to the wired network infrastructure and a set of wireless end stations. This configuration is called a Basic Service Set (BSS). An Extended Service Set (ESS) is a set of two or more BSSs forming a single subnetwork. Since most corporate WLANs require access to the wired LAN for services (file servers, printers, etc ) they will operate in infrastructure mode.

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Infrastructure Mode

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Wireless Devices
Wireless Access Point Wireless Ethernet PC Card/ PCI ard Adapter Wireless Range Extenders

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Wireless Access Point

APs act as the central point of access. Any client attempting to use the WLAN must first establish an association with an AP. Another way, the access point acts as the gateway for wireless users to access a wired LAN. A single access point can support a small group of users and can function within a range of less than one hundred to several hundred feet

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Wireless Access Point

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W-LAN Adapters/Cards
End users access the WLAN through wireless LAN adapters, which are implemented as PC cards in notebook computers, or use ISA or PCI adapters in desktop computers, or fully integrated devices within hand-held computers. WLAN adapters provide an interface between the client network operating system (NOS) and the airwaves (via an antenna). The nature of the wireless connection is transparent to the NOS.

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W-LAN Adapters/Cards

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Wireless range extenders A range extender is an indoor omni-directional antenna that can be attached to several of the WL products to increase signal strength. The antenna mounting options include a table base or a bracket for wall or ceiling mounting.

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The End

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