4.3.1 - Networks - Wireless Networking
Teacher recommended
?- Created by: Annie
- Created on: 07-05-13 19:59
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- Wireless Networking
- What is it?
- Radio waves are used to communicate between network devices on a LAN
- The range can be up to 100m but it is dramatically reduced by obstructions such as walls
- Some WiFi hotspots are available by subscription
- WiFi networks are sometimes known as WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
- Networks can be open to all, with no encryption
- Most private homes and businesses use a password which encrypts transmissions on the network
- What hardware is needed?
- A broadband enabled telephone line to connect to the internet
- A wireless modem router is also needed as well as PCs which have wireless network cards
- How does it work?
- The modem connects to the telephone line
- The PC connects to the available network using an encryption password as necessary
- The PC sends the internet data request as radio waves to the router
- The router sends the request to the Internet and then broadcasts the reply as radio waves to be picked up by the computer
- Examples of use
- Hotspot access to the internet in public locations
- For laptops and smartphones/PDAs
- Office use to reduce cabling costs and Health & Safety concerns
- Factory use to connect different buildings on the same site
- School use in a laboratory environment and to enable the mobility of students and teachers on a site, maintaining access to ICT and the Internet
- Hotspot access to the internet in public locations
- Advantages
- Allows networks to be set up quickly
- Extends range of existing LANs without the need for further cabling
- Better health and safety - no trailing wires to workstations
- Cost savings for new workstations as cabling is not needed
- Communications not affected by cable damage
- Users can work wherever there is a signal
- Increased flexibility about where they work
- The WiFi standard is global so users can use the same laptops in all countries
- Disadvantages
- Limited range for wireless communications, further reduced by obstructions
- Such as walls, buildings etc.
- Security requires encryption for a private network
- Health concerns over radio waves
- Battery life is reduced on mobile devices when wireless connections are in use
- Limited range for wireless communications, further reduced by obstructions
- What is it?
- Potential costs for wireless interface cards to upgrade older devices (usually printers, scanners etc.) and for wireless routers
- Disadvantages
- Limited range for wireless communications, further reduced by obstructions
- Such as walls, buildings etc.
- Security requires encryption for a private network
- Health concerns over radio waves
- Battery life is reduced on mobile devices when wireless connections are in use
- Limited range for wireless communications, further reduced by obstructions
- Disadvantages
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