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Wi-Fi: Wireless Fidelity

Wi-Fi, also known as Wireless Fidelity, allows devices to connect to the internet and each other wirelessly using radio waves. It operates using the IEEE 802.11 standards across frequency bands such as 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Common generations include 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11g. Wi-Fi networks can be established in peer-to-peer or infrastructure topologies with an access point. Hotspots provide public wireless internet access at locations using Wi-Fi technology.

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39 views24 pages

Wi-Fi: Wireless Fidelity

Wi-Fi, also known as Wireless Fidelity, allows devices to connect to the internet and each other wirelessly using radio waves. It operates using the IEEE 802.11 standards across frequency bands such as 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Common generations include 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11g. Wi-Fi networks can be established in peer-to-peer or infrastructure topologies with an access point. Hotspots provide public wireless internet access at locations using Wi-Fi technology.

Uploaded by

ayushthegreat123
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Wi-Fi : Wireless Fidelity

Introduction

WIFI is an alternative network to wired network which is commonly used for connecting devices (PC’s, Mobiles,
etc. ) in wireless mode.

WIFI stands for Wireless Fidelity - a generic term that refers to IEEE 802.11 standard for Wireless Local
Networks or WLANs.

WIFI connects computers to each other, to the internet and to the wired network.

Wi‑Fi is a trademark of the non-profit Wi-Fi Alliance (more than 800 companies) - 1999

More than 3.05 billion Wi-Fi enabled devices are shipped globally each year
Why Wifi?

1. Mobility (lack of physical boundary)


2. Flexibility
3. Cost effective
4. Scalability

Medium: Electromagnetic radiation (radio waves)


Earlier infra red light is used but are blocked by walls / partitions, etc.
Radio waves can penetrate those obstacles and provide broader coverage
About Wireless Technologies

Wireless devices are constrained to operate in a special frequency band


Each band has an associated bandwidth – the amount of frequency space in the band
Bandwidth – measures the data capacity of a link
Radio spectrum allocation is rigorously controlled by regulatory authorities through licensing process

The 802.11 standard provides several distinct radio frequency ranges for use in Wi-Fi communications: 900 MHz,
2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5 GHz, 5.9 GHz and 60 GHz bands.
Generations
IEEE 802.11b

 Appear in Late 1999


 2.4Ghz radio spectrum
 11Mbps (theoretical speed) within 30m range
 4-6Mbps (actual speed)
 100-150 feet range
 Most popular and Less expansive
 Interference from mobile phones and
Bluetooth devices which can reduce the
transmission speed
IEEE 802.11a

 introduced in 2001
 5.0Ghz radio spectrum
 54Mbps (theoretical speed)
 15-20Mbps (actual speed)
 50-75 feet range
 more expansive
 not compatible with IEEE 802.11b
IEEE 802.11g

 introduced in 2003
 combine the feature of both standards (a,b)
 100-150 feet range
 54Mbps speed
 2.4Ghz radio spectrum
 compatible with b
Elements of a Wi-Fi Network

1. Wireless host
Elements of a Wi-Fi Network

2. Base station
Elements of a Wi-Fi Network

Example Wi-Fi network with an access point


Elements of a Wi-Fi Network

3. Wireless Link
Elements of a Wi-Fi Network

4. Wi-Fi Cards
They accept the wireless signal and relay information.
They can be internal and external.

5. Safeguards
Firewalls and anti-virus software protect networks from uninvited users and keep information secure.
Wi-Fi Topologies (Modes)

1. Peer-to-peer topology (Ad-hoc Mode)


2. Access Point based topology (Infrastructure Mode)
Peer-to-peer Topology

 AP is not required.

 Client devices within a cell can


communicate with each other
directly.

 It is useful for setting up a


wirelessnetwork quickly and
easily.
Infrastructure network

 The client communicate through Access Point.

 Any communication has to go through AP.

 If a Mobile Station (MS), like a computer, a


PDA, or a phone, wants to communicate with
another MS, it needs to send the information
to AP first, then AP sends it to the destination
MS.
IEEE 802.11 Distributed System

 Access point connected to the distributed system

 How nodes communicate?

 How does the nodes selects their AP?


 Scanning – Probe frame, probe response,

association request frame


 What happens when a node is unhappy with its
current Access Point (signal strength issue)
 Node mobility – active and passive scanning
IEEE 802.11 Layers Description

● Basic Access Mechanism – CSMA/CA


Hotspots
Hotspots

 A Hotspot is a geographical area that has a readily accessible wireless network

 Hotspots are equipped with Broad band Internet connection and one or more
Access points that allow users to access the internet wirelessly

 Hotspots can be setup in any public location that can support an Internet
connection. All the locations discussed previously are examples of Hotspots.
How it works?

 A Wi-Fi hotspot is created by installing an access point to an internet


connection.
 An access point acts as a base station.
 When Wi-Fi enabled device encounters a hotspot the device can then connect
to that network wirelessly.
 A single access point can support up to 30 users and can function within a
range of 100 – 150 feet indoors and up to 300 feet outdoors.
 Many access points can be connected to each other via Ethernet cables to
create a single large network.
Advantages
 Mobility
 Ease of Installation
 Flexibility
 Cost
 Reliability
 Security
 Use unlicensed part of the radio spectrum
 Roaming
 Speed
Limitations

 Interference
 Degradation in performance
 High power consumption
 Limited range
Conclusion

 Wi-Fi is a simple and cost effective way to connect to internet


without the need of wires.
 It is growing in popularity because of decreasing costs and the
freedom it gives to users.

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