WiFi enabled devices are connected wirelessly and can connect to the Internet via a wireless access point.WiFi can function in geographical location and can be used where wiring and cable connection is not feasible.
In this experiment we will learn the different standards and the simulation of WiFi network. It also explains the concept of hidden node and exposed node problem and solve these issues.
The following hardware devices are required for connecting the Wi Fi Network.
Access Point
Access Point acts as a bridge between the wireless devices and wired network. It allows multiple devices to connect through it for accessing the network. An AP can also act as a router by which the data transmission can be possible from one access point to another.
Wireless Network Card
A wireless network card is required on each device on a wireless network. A laptop usually has an expansion slot which the network card would fit in to. A desktop computer would need an internal card, which will usually have a small antenna or an external antenna on it. These antennas are optional on most equipment and they help to increase the signal on the card.
Transmitter
A transmitter is basically used for emitting the wireless signals and it also receive the connection requests where a wireless client will send the requests and receives the replies from the transmitter. Here the transmitter is the wireless router.
How to connect Wi-Fi Network?
Wi-Fi Network is very easy to connect. If you will think about your laptop with any operating systems, then you can easily connect to a Wi-Fi network for accessing or you can share different files on a network.
Once you have acquired the necessary wireless networking hardware then the next step is to connect it all together to form a network and allow each device to communicate. The instructions below will act as basic guidelines of what needs to be done.
* The distance between each computer should be below 100 meters
* Each computer should be on the same floor
* Plug the access point into the power outlet and existing Ethernet jack on the network
* Configure the access point (usually via a web browser)
* Configure the client computers with the appropriate network settings required to be able to communicate with the access point.
Benefits of Wi Fi
Following are the different benifits of Wi Fi Networks
* In wireless ad-hoc network mode, devices like consumer electronics and gaming applications can directly connect and exchange data with each other.
* Digital images can be transferred wirelessly from cameras and other devices.
* All connected devices within the range have access to internet and inter-networking.
* Wi-Fi enables wireless voice-applications (Vo WLAN or WVOIP).
* Wi Fi provides a secure computer networking gateway, firewall, DHCP server and an intrusion detection system among many other features.
* Cost of cabling and network deployment of Local Area Networks is significantly reduced.
* Can be used at placed where wiring and cable lay-out is not feasible
* Due to its cost effective nature, it can be used widely in corporate set-ups and different educational campuses.
* A standard Wi Fi device can function in any geographical location.
Limitations
Like any other types of technology, Wi Fi has its set of drawbacks that are listed as follows:
* Global inconsistency of spectrum assignments and operational limitations.
* Overlapping of channels
* Limited range of equivalent isotropically radiated power in some areas.
* Greater power consumption compared to lower bandwidth standards.
* Limited battery life due to range and reach requirements.
* Wi Fi network range is also limited.
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