Wireless Networking

Wireless Networking Fundamentals

Definition

  • Wireless networking is a method of connecting devices to a network without the use of physical cabling.
  • Instead of cables, wireless networks utilise radio waves or infrared signals to transmit data.

Types of Wireless Networking Technologies

  • Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity): A standard for connecting devices in a local area network (LAN) using high-frequency radio signals. It supports a variety of devices including smartphones, laptops, and routers.
  • Bluetooth: Short-range wireless technology used primarily for connecting personal devices such as headsets, printers, and keyboards to a computer or other main device.
  • Cellular: High-speed, long-range wireless communication used primarily in mobile phones for voice and data communication.

Advantages of Wireless Networking

  • Flexibility: Allows devices to connect from anywhere within the network’s range without needing physical cabling.
  • Portability: Devices can freely move within the network range without losing connectivity.
  • Cost-efficiency: Reduces the costs associated with installing and maintaining physical cabling.

Disadvantages of Wireless Networking

  • Security Risks: Wireless networks are more vulnerable to security attacks than wired networks because data is transmitted through open air.
  • Speed Limitations: Wireless networks generally offer lesser data transfer rates compared to wired networks.
  • Signal Interference: Physical objects and other electronic devices can disrupt the wireless signals, reducing the network’s performance.

Wi-Fi Standards

  • 802.11a: High data transfer speed. Operates in the 5GHz range.
  • 802.11b, 802.11g: Most common standard. Operates in the 2.4GHz range. ‘G’ is faster than ‘B’.
  • 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4), 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6): Standards with increased performance. ‘N’ operates in both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. ‘AC’ and ‘AX’ operate in the 5GHz range. ‘AC’ and ‘AX’ have significantly higher speeds than ‘N’.

Wireless Network Security

  • WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy): Older and weaker form of wireless security. Can still be used for compatibility reasons.
  • WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2: Stronger forms of security. WPA2 uses a more advanced encryption technology and is more secure than WPA.
  • Firewalls: Used to prevent unauthorised access to or from a wireless network. Useful in guarding a network from security threats.