Wireless LAN

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 What is Wireless LAN?

A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a flexible data communication system implemented as an

extension to, or as an alternative for, a wired LAN within a building or campus.
Using electromagnetic waves, WLANs transmit and receive data over the air,
minimizing the need for wired connections.
Thus, WLANs combine data connectivity with user mobility, and, through simplified
configuration, enable movable LANs.

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 CORPORATE CAMPUS HOSPITALS BRANCH OFFICES

HOT SPOTS

HOME OFFICE

AIRPORTS, HOTELS SHOPING CENTRES

CONVENTION CENTERS
BUSINESS TOWERS RETAIL STORE OWNERS
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 Organizations That Set WLAN Standards

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 Wireless standards

There are several different wireless standards such as :

WiFi certification
802.11a standard
802.11b standard
802.11g standard

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 WiFi Certification
WiFi is an abbreviation for "wireless fidelity" and is used most often for
802.11 devices that have passed the WiFi certification testing. This
certification assures the consumer that the wireless LAN device will
work with other WiFi devices.

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 802.11a Standard

802.11a operates at radio frequencies between 5GHz* and 6 GHz. It uses a

modulation scheme known as orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing
(OFDM*) that makes possible data speeds as high as 54 Mbps, but most
commonly, communications takes place at 6 Mbps, 12 Mbps, or 24 Mbps.

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 802.11b Standard
The 802.11b specification is defined by the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE). 802.11b and its derivatives are based on the
Ethernet networking protocol. They operate in the 2.4 GHz range offering
data speeds up to 11 megabits per second.

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 802.11g Standard
802.11g is the latest wireless LAN technology designed for higher
performance and security. 802.11g is 802.11b-compliant, therefore will
work with current 802.11b devices. 802.11g works in the 2.4GHz range
and transfers up to 54Mbps.

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 802.11b 802.11g 802.11a

Ratified 1999 2003 1999

Frequency band 2.4 GHz 2.4 GHz 5 GHz

No of channels 3 3 Up to 12

Transmission DSSS DSSS OFDM OFDM

6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24,

Data rates [Mbps] 1, 2, 5.5, 11 1, 2, 5.5, 11
36, 48, 54 36, 48, 54

Throughput
Up to 6 Up to 30 Up to 32
[Mbps]

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 Wireless LAN Technology Options

Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum Technology

Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum Technology
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

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 Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)

The FHSS method transmits the useful signal using

permanently changing carrier frequencies.
The constant frequency changes make signal
interception extremely difficult.
The frequency change is
rhythmic, and the rhythm
must be known to the
receiver, that is to say, transmitter
and receiver must be synchronized
prior to data transmission.

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 Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)

Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) uses one channel to send data
across all frequencies within that channel
The DSSS method spreads the useful signal over a channel's available
frequency range.
Spreading makes the useful signal appear to be noise, thus protecting it
against tapping.

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 Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
(OFDM)

The OFDM method divides the data stream into

parallel data streams. Each data stream is
transmitted with its own carrier frequency

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 Wireless LAN Operating Modes

Ad-Hoc
Infrastructure

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 Ad-hoc Mode
Ad-hoc mode (also called peer-to-peer mode or an Independent Basic Service Set, or
IBSS) is simply a set of 802.11 wireless stations that communicate directly with
one another without using an access point or any connection to a wired network.
This mode is useful for quickly and easily setting up a wireless network anywhere that
a wireless infrastructure does not exist or is not required .

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 Ad-hoc Mode

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 Infrastructure Mode

In Infrastructure mode, the wireless network consists of at least one access point
connected to the wired network infrastructure and a set of wireless end stations.
This configuration is called a Basic Service Set (BSS).
An Extended Service Set (ESS) is a set of two or more BSSs forming a single
subnetwork. Since most corporate WLANs require access to the wired LAN for
services (file servers, printers, etc ) they will operate in infrastructure mode.

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 Infrastructure Mode

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 Wireless Devices

Wireless Access Point

Wireless Ethernet PC Card/ PCI ard Adapter
Wireless Range Extenders

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 Wireless Access Point
APs act as the central point of access.
Any client attempting to use the WLAN must first establish an association with
an AP.
Another way, the access point acts as the gateway for wireless users to access a
wired LAN.
A single access point can support a small group of users and can function within
a range of less than one hundred to several hundred feet

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 Wireless Access Point

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 W-LAN Adapters/Cards

End users access the WLAN through wireless LAN adapters, which are
implemented as PC cards in notebook computers, or use ISA or PCI
adapters in desktop computers, or fully integrated devices within hand-held
computers.
WLAN adapters provide an interface between the client network operating
system (NOS) and the airwaves (via an antenna). The nature of the wireless
connection is transparent to the NOS.

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 W-LAN Adapters/Cards

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 Wireless range extenders

A range extender is an indoor omni-directional antenna that can be attached to

several
of the WL products to increase signal
strength. The antenna mounting options
include a table base or a bracket for wall
or ceiling mounting.

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 The End

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