Hardwire
Networks
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Basics |
How Networks Work |
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Administration | Crossover Cables
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What is a Network Router
Wireless networking is a type of
networking that has grown rapidly since its introduction. Instead of
data being carried using a wire, the data is broadcast through the air, like a
radio transmission or wireless telephone signal. Obviously, no wires need
be installed where this type of network was placed, which
appeals to many people. Wireless networks are usually also very reliable,
depending on your situation. Wireless networks can transmit data at a rate
of of
11-54Mbps + (megabytes per second). The signal, because it travels through the
air, is subject to certain types of interference that wired networks are not.
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Key Benefits of
Wireless Networks:
- The
flexibility
of being able to move work stations around or even to a different location
without having to re-wire!
- Simplify
your
existing network by eliminating unnecessary
hubs or routers. Remember the simpler the structure, the less chance of
something going wrong.
- Away from the home or office with your
laptop?....simply walk within the wireless network environment with your laptop and your wireless
card can automatically log into your network.
- Adding workstations?
Simply add a
wireless NIC to the new station, configure the software and you are done.
- Share Broadband Internet access across the network
with a wireless Router.
- WEP, WPA, WPA2, MAC address control
and user authentication to ensure a secure network
connection.
- Compliant with IEEE 802.11a,b,g,n Standards
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Common Misconceptions about Wireless
Networks:
- It will be slower than a wired network---Fast, secure data transmission at 11-54mbps with
minimal
dilution in speed when multiple stations are logged on.
- It is too expensive---In the long run
you are actually saving money by eliminating the costly material and
labor necessary to wire a system. And if you are converting an existing
network, it is easier than you think.
- My server / workstations are too far apart--- By installing Access Points or Signal Boosters which relay the wireless
signal, the distance is rarely a problem. Operating on a 2.4Ghz &
5Ghz,
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) frequency, the wireless signal travels through walls and floors. If you are
within 325 feet of the other stations or server....no Access Point is
necessary at all.
- I can not share my DSL or Cable connection---A Wireless
Router will allow wireless LAN users to share a single Internet Connection while
providing the safety and security of port blocking, packet filtering, and a
natural firewall. A single Ethernet port allows a DSL or Cable Modem to be
connected and shared through either its single local Ethernet port or via
its integrated Wireless IEEE 802.11x compliant Access Point.
Converting an Existing Network to all
wireless or combine Wired and
Wireless:
You can combine wired and wireless structure on
the same network or completely convert to wireless. It would simply involved
change your hard wired router to a wireless router which your IT person
will be able to help you with.
Wireless Routers
The first think you will need to setup a
wireless network, is a wireless router. A wireless router is the central
hub or "gateway" of your network connection. It bridges the gap between
your hardwired internet cable and the wireless capabilities of your
equipment. Select a high quality router such as the suggestions below.
Wireless Printers:
Printers can also be part of the wireless
environment. As Wireless technologies continue to penetrate
the mainstream, the traditional wired network may become obsolete in the next
several years. Keep your company on the cutting edge by installing a wireless
network, or convert your existing wired network and start experiencing the
flexibility of wireLESS now!
The Future of Wireless
Obviously, the wireless broadband
vision of freedom from wired Internet connections is becoming a reality
in many parts of the world. What's driven this success is having a
standard. Like the Ethernet standard has been to networking, 802.11 has
been to wireless communications. The standard has been crucial to
industry innovation and acceptance of 802.11 products. Because of it,
customers enjoy the ability to buy 802.11 devices with assurance of the
interoperability, and the Wi-Fi industry has profited from the fast
growth spawned by having an open standard.
802.11n is just now showing its
promise. Other wireless technologies, such as WiMAX, which is based on
the IEEE 802.16 standard, will have much to add as well. IEEE 802.16 is
a wide area wireless technology that supports full mobility of users and
offers optimal spectral efficiency. The combination of outdoor WiMAX and
indoor Wi-Fi provides ubiquitous and cost-effective mobile Internet to
the mass market.
Intel is currently working on another
promising wireless technology for the Very High Throughput (VHT) study
group. This is an effort to create a gigabit (Gbit) version of Wi-Fi
running at 60GHz for increasing the speed of existing wireless LAN
applications and meeting the needs of new applications such as wireless
interconnections for home audio-visual equipment via wireless. The goal
is to pump data at several Gbits per second (Gbps). This will only work
for short distances (a few meters, or perhaps as much as 10 meters with
beamforming – a signal processing technique used in sensor arrays for
directional signal transmission or reception), but would be perfect in
home environments. Current ideas call for it to let users quickly
fallback from 60GHz to 5GHz or 2.4GHz 802.11n networks when needed. It
will also support compatibility with the existing 802.11 services,
access points and base stations as well as its management features such
as association, authentication and security. The 802.11 Working Group is
considering an IEEE Project Authorization Request (PAR) for VHT at 60
GHz.
Intel is committed to 802.11 in all its
"flavors" and will continue to drive the industry standards, ecosystem
development and end-user awareness necessary for the broad proliferation
of broadband wireless. The innovation that has led to 802.11's success
will continue as wireless networking is adapted to touch every facet of
our lives, from homes and cars to office buildings, factories, and
health care institutions. (source:
intel.com)
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