Abstract
This paper discusses the Wi-Fi application and the technology behind its operation and functionality. Wi-Fi is a short form for ‘Wireless Fidelity’. This is a set standard within the wireless domain and is based on IEEE802.11 specifications. In other words, the Wi-Fi technology provides an allowance for a user to be connected to the local area network using Wi-Fi enabled devices, and also have an access to the Internet without necessarily being connected to the computer by the use of physical transmission media.
Acronyms / keyword list
- FCC -Federal Communications Commission
- IEEE -Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers
- IT – Information Technology
- MAC – Media Access Control
- MAN – Metropolitan Area Network
- OSI -Open System Interconnection
- PAN – Personal Area Network
- QoS – Quality of Service
- RF – Radio Frequency
- WLAN – Wireless LAN XOR – exclusive OR (a mathematical logic operation)
- Wi-Fi – Wireless Fidelity
Hotspot
Introduction
This paper succinctly aims at individuals who are already familiar with the traditional wired networks and would wish to have an idea on the wireless networks and some of the issues that pertains to its application. After the wireless network was confined to specialty position, the wireless network has now commenced to propagate in the form of IEEE (Wi-Fi) wireless LANS, a technology that allows users to wander throughout a building while still being connected to their network (Wi-Fi Notes, 2011). In this paper, Wi-Fi technology is comprehensively described as well as how its technology is being applied by various people in diverse business activities. The paper also expounds on how IEEE standard has evolved to an extent of being able to supply a higher data rates and better quality services using the Wi-Fi technology and applications. A concept on Radio Frequency Propagation is briefly discussed and its drawbacks on the wireless networks, as well as the FCC regulations that do preside over how the spectrum is used, and the technologies that are applied to meet its requirements.
Wireless LANs and Wi-Fi™
Benefits of Wireless LANs
Initially, the wireless LANs was used as a free network element to enable the sharing of information within buildings and warehouse enterprises. At the moment, such an ideology has changed and the technology is now used as a cost saving measure in businesses. WLANs have evolved to replace the wired LANs. In other words, the technology has been employed as an extension of a wired communication structures (Wi-Fi Alliance, 2004).
The technology of using the wireless LAN is thought to be cost-effective in comparison to using the wired version. This means that, it is cheap to deploy Wi-Fi as compared to the other wireless version in terms of installation and also management. This is in the sense that the cost that will be used in installing and making modifications on a wired network is higher than the cost that is used in running network and power cables throughout the building in accordance to the local building codes. This explains why WLANs are preferred to be installed even at times when network is being compromised only to the desktops, which are not mobile. The following are some of the examples of applications which endorse the decision to deploy WLANs: E-mails, short message applications, videoconferencing, and Internet browsers in public places (Luna, 2008).
Another profound reason as to why the Wi-Fi may be preferred against other wired versions is that it gives an enterprise a mobility and flexibility factor by allowing employees to ramble within the enterprise and still being connected to the Internet. In this case, there is an increased efficiency as any data is easily accessed and it is easy to manage and set privileges among users.
Another eminent reason is that besides the Wi-Fi technology being simple to install, it is easy to use and understand. With only a few exception that have been drawn from both the wired LANs and the wireless LANs, the two applications almost functions the same since they are both connected to physical Ethernet network. Wi-Fi technology not only allows free networking in laptops, but also lowers the costs accounted for in networking them.
Drawbacks of Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi technology faces many challenges when implemented because it is a new concept in the networking field. First, Wi-Fi users may experience interference in transmission of data because many countries using WiFi (2.4 GHz) have no licenses for the network. Second, Wi-Fi consumes a lot of power as compared to other protocols like LANs, thus affecting some users. Third, Wi-Fi connectivity is limited to specific areas; for instance, a classic Wi-Fi home router cover 45 – 90 meters, but the ranges vary. Fourth, security in Wi-Fi is not guaranteed because hackers can easily steal unauthorized data from people and business – because of free hotspots.
The Evolving 802.11 Standard
Standard and Protocol Employed in Wi-Fi Technology
IEEE 802 LAN/ MAN standards committee generates a series of standards that are called 802. x3. Such a standard was initially integrated in the LANs and the MANs, and currently, it has been able to include other PANs such as the Bluetooth™. IEEE has been restrained to standardizing all the processes and procedures that take place within the two bottom layers of the OSI Reference model, the MAC and the Physical layer (Wi-Alliance, 2004).
Even though, the Bluetooth and the Wi-Fi technology both use the wireless technology, the Bluetooth technology functions under the IEEE Protocol 802.15.1, while the Wi-Fi functions under the 802.11 specifications. To a consumer, the variance may mean that both appliances (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) are not interoperable, but that does not mean that the two are not in competition in any way. While Wi-Fi is involved in boasting off a faster data transfer in speed and its range therefore being a good substitute for the Ethernet (802.3) systems, Bluetooth is used in small appliances since it only uses a small percentage of power. This is the reason as to why it is preferred in PDAs.
These two terms are essentially synonymous, although protocol is somewhat technical in comparison to the term standard. In most cases, the term standard is employed in the engineering contexts, and may therefore be used to refer to the technical form of something. In essence, technical may slightly refer to the way communication is structured or made. A standard protocol for working with communication such as the one employed by the Wi-Fi standard will consider the specifications – both at the hardware and the software levels. The levels are also called the layers.
RF Fundamentals for WLANs (Features)
Although WLANs are considered easy to deploy, the IT experts will predominantly benefit from the indispensable knowledge about the radio wave propagation. In other words, the Radio Frequency (RF) wireless network also employs the concept used by the Wi-Fi technology. The RF is considered because it is able to pass through solid objects such as walls. However, the radio waves used are not able to travel for long directions since they are hindered by solid objects. Therefore, the user needs to have adequate knowledge about how they ought to be propagated and also on their features. It is also very essential to know the relationship that subsists between power levels and the data rates before the wireless network is being designed.
Conclusion
Wi-Fi applications are technological aspect that is embraced by business enterprises over the recent time. The technology is very efficient in business since it is able to regulate on the cost-evaluation approaches used in businesses. Businesses implement Wi-Fi through hotspots to attract customers in their business because the technology is compatible with many devices and applications, including PDAs, laptops, phones, and videoconference. Moreover, the aspect has been diversified in other areas and it has proven to be effective, for instance, in RF. However, Wi-Fi is a new technology that is affected by security issues because licenses it is affected by interference from other telecommunication media. In a nutshell, Wi-Fi is very pivotal to the users since its flexible, simple and easy to adapt as long as one is within the connected area.
References
Luna, J. M. (2008). Applications over Wi-Fi: Status Report. Web.
Wi-Fi Alliance. (2004). WPATM Deployment Guidelines for Public Access Wi-Fi Networks. Web.
WiFi Notes. (2011). WiFi – WiFi Networks. Web.