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Wireless 101 |
What is wireless networking?
Simply put, computers communicate using radio signals instead of the traditional wired cables.
Wireless Terminology
Increase your wireless networking knowledge by becoming familiar with the following terms:
| Wireless Term |
Definition |
| 802.11b Protocol |
Communications rules used by wireless devices like your Tablet PC. 802.11g is another faster protocol |
| Access Point |
A wireless LAN transceiver or "base station" that can connect a wired LAN to one of many wireless devices |
| Hotspot |
A public access point either free or fee based |
| SSID Service Set ID |
Name of the wireless network |
| WEP Wired Equivalent Privacy |
Basic wireless security provided by Wi-Fi |
| Wi-Fi Wireless Fidelity |
Refers to any product or service using wireless technology (e.g. Tablet PC) |
| Bluetooth |
Your personal W-LAN. Wirelessly connects computer peripherals, PDAs, cameras and so forth |
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The A B Cs of 802.11a, b, & g |
The following table compares and contrasts the three wireless technology protocols:
| Wireless Standard |
802.11a |
802.11b |
802.11g |
| Reputation |
Higher cost, fast, shorter range not compatible w/802.11b & g |
Widely available interoperates 802.11g, slow (?) max speed |
New, fast, supports more users, high cost, interference @2.4GHz |
| Data Rate |
54Mbps |
11Mbps |
54Mbps |
| Frequency |
5GHz no interference |
2.4GHz must coexist w/cordless phones, & microwaves
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2.4GHz see w/802.11b |
| Range |
25-75' indoors |
100-150' indoors |
100-150' indoors |
| Hot Spot Access |
None at this time |
Standard hot spot technology |
Compatible w/802.11b availability to increase |
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W-LanTopology Example |
- Multiple access points link the WLAN to the wired network
- Users share network resources
- Access points provide communication with the wired network
- Multiple access points can provide wireless coverage for an entire building or campus
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