This module provides an introduction to wireless networks in general and wireless LANs in particular. It describes and explains what the different wireless technologies are, their main features, security issues, advantages, disadvantages and uses or applications.
Wireless networks are networks that use radio waves to connect devices, without the necessity of using cables of any kind.
Devices commonly used for wireless networking include portable computers, desktop computers, hand-held computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, pen-based computers, and pagers. Wireless networks work similar to wired networks, however, wireless networks must convert information signals into a form suitable for transmission through the air medium.
Wireless networks serve many purposes. In some cases they are used as cable replacements, while in other cases they are used to provide access to corporate data from remote locations.
Wireless infrastructure can be built for very little cost compared to traditional wired alternatives. But building wireless networks is only partly about saving money. By providing people in your local community with cheaper and easier access to information, they will directly benefit from what the Internet has to offer. The time and effort saved by having access to the global network of information translates into wealth on a local scale, as more work can be done in less time and with less effort.
Wireless networks allow remote devices to connect without difficulty, independently these devices are a few feet or several kilometers away. And no need to break through walls to pass cables or install connectors. This has made the use of this technology very popular, spreading rapidly.
There are many different technologies that differ in the transmission frequency used, speed and range of their transmissions.
On the other hand, there are some issues related to the legal regulation of the electromagnetic spectrum. Electromagnetic waves are transmitted through many devices, but are prone to interference. For this reason, all countries need regulations that define the frequency ranges and transmission power for each technology is permitted.
In addition, electromagnetic waves are not easily confined to a restricted geographic area. For this reason, a hacker can easily listen to a network if the data transmitted are not encoded. Therefore, all necessary steps should be taken to ensure the privacy of data transmitted over wireless networks