Over the past few years, the earth has become more and more mobile. The world’s traditional methods of networking have proven unable to handle the problems brought on by our contemporary way of life as a society. Users’ mobility is significantly limited when they are required to connect to a network through physical wires.

The network user may move considerably more freely thanks to wireless networking because it is not constrained in this way. Therefore, wireless technologies are encroaching on traditional “fixed” or “wired” networks. This strategy is obvious to a frequent traveler.

Introduction

Wireless networking for voice telephony has given rise to a whole new sector. Because callers could connect to people instead of computers while using mobile access, it had a significant impact on the voice call business. A similarly significant transition in computer networking is currently at its peak.

Because technology enables individuals to interact with one another wherever they are, wireless telephony has gained popularity. Modern technology geared at computer networks promises to achieve the same for Internet access. The most common wireless data networking technology up to this point is 802.11.

• The following topics will be covered in this article:
• Wireless networking’s definition.
• How a wireless network functions.
• Many wireless network types.
• Wi-Fi networking protocols.
• The advantages of wireless networking.

An overview of networking

A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices, including printers, fax machines, and computers, that are used to exchange information and share resources. It uses wires and cables as well as other transmission mediums. For instance, computers are linked together in Local Area Networks (LAN) in a constrained space, like an office, using communication cables.

Sharing resources is the fundamental justification for joining various devices on a network. For illustration, a workplace has a single shared printer. It can be networked with every computer in this workplace to enable use by every department.

Describe wireless networking.

Devices may travel freely while still being connected to the network thanks to wireless technology. A computer might be located distant from a router and yet be connected to the network since access points boost Wi-Fi signals. When you join a WiFi hotspot in a café or similar public space, you join that company’s wireless network.

The usage of cables to connect devices to the Internet or another network, such laptops or desktop computers, is the only distinction between a wired network and a wireless network. A wired network has a number of disadvantages compared to a wireless network. The primary drawback of a router is that it is connected to your computer. The majority of wired networks employ cables with one end connected to an Ethernet port on the network router and the other to a device like a PC.

Why use wireless?

But at this point, examining a specific technology is getting a little ahead of the narrative. Regardless of the design of the protocols or the nature of the data they carry, wireless networks all have a number of important advantages.

The benefit of wireless networking that is most obvious is mobility. Users of wireless networks are able to connect to existing networks and move around without restriction. A mobile phone user may travel long distances in a single call since the phone connects the user via cell towers.

Initial costs for mobile phone use were high. Due to the exorbitant expenses, its use was restricted to highly mobile individuals who needed to be contacted immediately regardless of their location, such sales managers and important executive decision-makers. Mobile phone use, however, has established itself as a useful service and is growing in acceptance.

Typically, wireless networks are quite versatile, which can lead to quick installation. To connect users to an existing network, wireless networks require a variety of base stations.

Functioning of wireless networks

The purpose of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is to connect a number of computers in the same way that a wired network does. The main benefit of “wireless” is that it often takes less time and money to set up because it doesn’t require expensive cabling.

Building a network by dragging cables across the walls and ceilings of an office, however, may be time-consuming and expensive. Nevertheless, even if you currently have a wired network in place, expanding it with a wireless network might be a cost-effective option.

Radio Frequency (RF) technology, which uses a frequency related to the transmission of radio waves within the electromagnetic spectrum, is used to operate wireless networks. When an antenna receives an RF current, the result is the creation of an electromagnetic field that may travel over space.

The heart of a wireless network is an apparatus known as an access point (AP). The main duty of an access point is to transmit a wireless signal that computers have detected and tuned onto. Access points frequently serve as a gateway to resources on a wired network, such an Internet connection, because wireless networks are generally connected to them.

To join a wireless network and connect to an access point, computers must be equipped with wireless network adapters. Most of them are already included, but in the event that they are not, almost any computer or notebook may be made wirelessly capable by adding an add-on adaptor to an available expansion slot, USB port, or, in the case of notebooks, a PC card slot.

Various wireless network types

Since we now understand how wireless networks operate, let’s concentrate on the various forms of wireless.

1.Wi-Fi Local Area Networks (WLAN)

The term “WLAN” stands for a particular network type that utilizes wireless technology to connect two or more computers. In addition to an AP (access point) to the internet, they have high-frequency radio waves.

They are useful to utilize since they don’t limit users to a specific spot but instead let them wander across the service area. Local Area Wireless Network is another name for them (LAWN).

2.Wi-Fi Wide Area Networks (WWAN)

Cell towers are used by WWAN, sometimes referred to as wireless broadband. Unlike WLAN, which only covers a few hundred feet, these towers send radio signals thousands of kilometers away. Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and the more recent WiMAX make up its three main components.

Although these technologies are outside the focus of this essay, you are welcome to explore for other information on the subject or here. To be clear, Wide Area Networks link to many Local Area Networks rather than your particular PCs.

3. Wireless LANs in Metropolitan Areas (WMAN)

The coverage area of MWAN is around the size of a metropolis. It is smaller than WWAN, but bigger than WLAN. It is the property of a single organization, such as the federal or state governments, an ISP, or a cooperative. MWAN limits access to just legitimate users or subscription devices. *WiMAX is one instance of a WMAN variant.

Wi-Fi networking protocols

Both wireless technology and the related technology have advanced significantly over time. Before investing in any of these technologies, it is always recommended to conduct your own study.

The most widely used wireless technologies right now include:

• IEEE 802.11b-1999 (802.11b) – This technology supports backward compatibility and transmits data at speeds of up to 11Mbps.
• IEEE 802.11g-2003 (IEEE 802.11g) is a well-liked technology with a 150-foot range and up to 54Mbps of speed.
• IEEE 802.11n-2009 (IEEE 802.11n) – This technology intends to increase the throughput of the 2.4GHz to 5GHz frequency band. The data rates are raised as a result of the utilization of many antennas.

Positive aspects of wireless networking

1. Due to the ease with which calls may now be placed via the VoIP protocol, it has made a substantial contribution to VoIP.
2. It has provided mobility, which is a bigger benefit for its users because servers may be accessible anywhere as long as an access point is available.
3. In comparison to wired networks, which need expensive cable purchases, they are comparatively inexpensive.
4. Because of data encryption techniques and modern technology, the network may be safe. Sharing sensitive information is made possible by this.

Conclusion

We have examined wireless networks in this article, along with some established guidelines for how they operate. Additionally, we have examined several Wireless Network configurations and how they interact with one another.