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WORLD OF Wi-Fi
ABSTRACT:
Wi-Fi stands for wireless fidelity. It is a popular term for high frequency wireless local area network (WLAN). It is the next generation of bluetooth. Its major advantage is that the terminals of the LAN are not fixed and any device in the vicinity of Wi-Fi can be connected to the LAN provided it has Wi-Fi card installed.
KEY WORDS:
Wi-Fi : Wireless fidelity is a type of WLAN Access Point : An access point is a device that is used to connect a wireless device that is used to connect a wireless device to a wired network. It acts as a hub and caters to many client devices. Hot spot : It consists of access points and internet connection. It is similar to the cyber cafs.
Introduction to Wi-Fi:
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a type of WLAN a wireless network operating over a distance of about 300 ft, for example, in an office. How ever the range can be higher depending on the environmental conditions and the antennas used. For a WLAN to be described as Wi-Fi, it has to be built to standards drafted by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA). These standards ensure that all equipment will work in tandem with each other regardless of whom it was manufactured by. In its simplest form, a wireless mesh network is a collection of wireless devices maintaining radio frequency (RF) connectivity to create a seamless path for data packets to travel. In many ways, a wireless mesh network resembles an idealized version of a top-level Internet backbone in which physical location is less important than capacity and network topology (Figure 1). At least one wireless device (or node) is connected to a wired Internet backbone and each data packet is bound for the same destination but not necessary using the same sequential path of nodes.
Figure 1 The Internet router determines a path between the user and the physical backbone. In the wireless mesh environment, a network can be envisioned as a collection of access points, routers, or end users (equipped with wireless receiver/transmitters) that are free to move arbitrarily but maintain a reliable communication that sends and receive messages. Each data packet traveling on the Internet backbone has a different sequential path of nodes even though the source and destination are the same.
Figure 2: Wireless data hopping through neighboring wireless clients or nodes Infrastructure network, as the name suggests, consists of a fixed infrastructure. The network is made up of fixed access points that are used to communicate by the nodes. The fixed access points can be connected to the other wired or wireless networks to extend the network coverage. Each access point can cater to more than one node at a time. However, as the number of devices increase, the transmission rate decreases and there is a need for more number of access points. This transmission of data, as stated above, is done either by using radio frequency(RF) or by infrared rays(IF).
Transmitting Data:
The data is transmitted at a rate of 1 or 2 mega bits per second at a frequency band of 2 to 2.835 GHz. This band is used for industrial, scientific and medical applications. There are two methods of transmitting data: 1. Direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) 2. Frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) Direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) It uses a single frequency within the specified band width for transmission of data. The data bit to be transmitted is multiplied by a redundant 11 bit pattern called chipping code. This increases the signal's resistance to interference as it is prone to frequency interference by other devices like Bluetooth, microwaves etc. that operate at the same frequency. Data transfer rates of 8 to 11 mbps are also possible with DSSS. Frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) It 'hops' that is, changes the transmission used predetermined pattern known both by the transmitter and the receiver. There are many (79) non-overlapping channels of 1 MHz each and 26 unique hopping patterns. The hopping rate- how fast the frequency should change- and the number of channels is specified by the regulator of each country. Both DSSS and FHSS have their own advantages and disadvantages. The DSS provides higher transmission rate but it is prone to interference where as FHSS is less prone to interference but does not support high data rate.
Industry Standards:
Wi-Fi is developing fast which means there are a number of standards in use with similar names, not all of which are compatible with each other. These technical standards are 802.11 802.11a 802.11b Applies to wireless LANs and provides 1 or 2 Mbps transmission in the 2.4GHz band using either frequency hopped spread spectrum (FHSAS) or direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) An extension to 802.11 that applies to wireless LANs and works on the 5 GHz frequency spectrum at a maximum transfer rate of up to 54Mbps It is also referred to as 802.11 High Rate or Wi-Fi. It operates at a frequency of 2.4GHz, it has a maximum data transfer rate of 11 mbps much faster than Bluetooth and comparable with many standard Ethernet cabled connections that exist in office networks Offers wireless transmission over relatively short distances at up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 2.4GHz. It is compatible with existing b equipment
802.11g
already in use and thus enables its continued use, albeit still at their lower 11mbs data rates.
Security:
As with any new technology, the security of Wi-Fi is subject to constant review and improvement. When you buy Wi-Fi equipment you will probably find the security settings switched off this default allows maximum access to the wireless network. However it also opens the possibility of unauthorized access and use of your network. The solution is to ensure the security settings in most cases WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) are switched on before you begin using the network. This will provide a good standard of security for many applications.
Applications of Wi-Fi:
Wherever you are, Wi-Fi will let you do business. With the right set up, you can access a wireless network on the move, in a coffee shop, or even outside. Create a flexible workspace work anywhere and accommodate new users without having to find network sockets. Work remotely wherever there is a hot spot anywhere from a coffee shop to a library or a park can offer simple, unobtrusive internet access. Allow mobile working with a PDA or other mobile device, you can be constantly connected to your company network. This makes office workers constantly contactable and enables applications like real-time stock checking in warehouses. Exchanging Data: When people attending a meeting or a conference want to establish a network between themselves for exchanging files, presentations or to share applications Wireless Gaming Network: People on a bus, train, or in a lounge room want to play a network game against one another Normal Emergencies: A rapidly deployable and robust communications between each member when firemen are involved in difficult operations inside buildings, towers, or surrounded in forest fires
Catastrophe Emergencies: When emergency and medical services personnel establish a wireless network to communicate with each other after a catastrophe has destroyed the regular communication infrastructure Recreation: A group of hikers walking through the fog, try to remain close and avoid losing members Military Usage: Soldiers in a battlefield are exchanging information about their position and giving and receiving orders, or the instructions
Future of Wi-Fi:
The future of W-Fi lies in space. The access point can be a satellite and its area of connection can be the whole world itself. For Example, a person sitting in the comfort of his home in India could work for a company in the United States using Wi-Fi with the access point as the satellite. This in turn would optimize the organization's resources thus enhancing Globalization itself! Transferring data can be made more secure and fast by merging the concepts of Direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) With Wi-Fi enabled mobiles a person can send messages, recorded voice messages etc without being charged.
REFERENCES:
Science Reporter (July 2004) Digit (May 2004) Electronics For You (April 2004) www.hellohelpme.com