Wireless Networking: The Latest Technology
With the rapid advancements in technology, people have become creatures of leisure and convenience. In this age of Information explosion, laptops have weeded out computers and hence, wireless networking has come to reign and stay. Wireless networking is the latest technology that allows you to enjoy work and life without wires! Lets find out more details about wireless networking.
If you want to define wireless networking, then it can be described as a technology that makes the communication between two or more computers possible without networking cables. It works using the standard networking protocols but the role of wire is missing in this case. However, the term normally refers to wireless LANs Local Area Networks. Kinds There are two kinds of wireless networks and the major difference lies in the components used in the specific networks. The first one is an ad-hoc wireless network. This consists of many computers, each of which has a wireless networking interface card. This makes it possible for each computer directly to communicate to any other wireless enabled computer. The only drawback is that in this network, wired LAN resources cant be accessed unless any one computer works as a bridge between the others. Another type of wireless networking system is that which uses access points (APs). These access points act as a hub and thereby provide connectivity for the wireless computer systems. It takes care of the only drawback of the ad-hoc wireless network. This is because it allows the accessibility of a wired LAN through the wireless LAN. This also makes it possible for the wireless computers to access LAN resources. Range Now the question arises as to what is the range of the wireless networks. The access points have a finite range according to which the wireless connection is maintained between the two computers. The manufacturers clearly state the indoor and the outdoor ranges of the wireless network so as to give an indication of the network's performance. But it is wise not to work at the extreme limit of the range because it drops the performance of the network. The range also depends upon the actual environment of the network. For example, if your building is interfered with radio transmissions then the range may deteriorate. On an average, 150-300 feet is the indoor range. Although, longer ranges are possible the performance degrades with the distance. Due to its convenience and comfort level, wireless networking has become more and more popular in the last few years. The vendors have come with many affordable wireless solutions. This networking is highly beneficial especially in areas like schools and small businesses where network wiring is impossible. The most important thing to keep in mind while using wireless networking is to keep it secure! Without security, there is no point in using wireless networking. So go ahead and do what is required to keep it secure and enjoy the benefits with confidence. |