Chapter 8 Wireless Networking

The wireless spectrum is a continuum of the electromagnetic waves used for data and voice communication. Some important fundamentals about wireless networking are: antennas are used both for transmission and receiving wireless signals, wireless signals originate from electrical current, and the signal propagates through the air. Each type of wireless service requires a specifically designed antenna for that service. No matter what paths wireless signals take it is inevitable they will run into obstacles. There are many different frequencies which carry these signals. The wireless standards are noted in the chart below.

Some of the wireless pitfalls you want to avoid are:

• SSID mismatch – Wireless client must specify Service set identifier
• Incorrect encryption - Wireless client must be configured to the same type as access point
• Incorrect channel or frequency – Must use correct communication path
• Standard mismatch – Clients must match the correct standard
• Incorrect antenna – Must have correct antenna place in proper location
• Interference – Causes communication errors

With the proliferation of satellite technology and the reduction in cost this has made it possible to transmit consumer voice, video, music and data. Satellites in recent years have become a means of providing data services mobile clients. Most satellites circle the earth 22,300 miles above the equator in a geosynchronous orbit. This technology is well established and is the least expensive.

Once again this chapter provided a lot of good information about wireless networks. It explained the wireless spectrum, characteristics of wireless transmission, wireless LANs, implementing a WLAN, and wireless WANs. There are many diagrams charts and pictures which help in conveying the message of the material.