Wireless networks use a technology that is specified within a standard called 802.11. The standard is basically written documents formed by members of the IEEE. These documents help manufacturers develop wireless products so that they will work together with wireless products from every vendor that follows the standard.

The 802.11 standard has a few versions:

• 802.11a

• 802.11b

• 802.11g

These versions of 802.11 have different characteristics, such as data rate, frequency, and transmit power limits. The most widely used standard today is 802.11g, which is similar to 802.11b. However, it can handle a much greater data rate, up to 54 Mbps. The details of these standards are discussed in Appendix A, “Understanding Wi-Fi Signals.”

The word “Wi-Fi” that is used throughout the market was created by the Wi-Fi Alliance, a nonprofit industry trade association devoted to promoting the growth of wireless local-area networks (WLAN). The Wi-Fi Alliance certifies products to ensure the interoperability of WLAN products from different manufacturers and try to promote the use of these devices. The Alliance defines the word “Wi-Fi” as follows:

A term developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance to describe wireless local-area network (WLAN) products that are based on the IEEE 802.11 standards.

Note

The Wi-Fi Alliance was originally called the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA).

Other people describe the term “Wi-Fi” as wireless fidelity, or freedom from wires.

Most wireless networks operate in a similar way, regardless of whether it is a private or public network. Cities, however, typically use mesh networking technology to help simplify the installation and operation of such a large network. Smaller hotspots use an infrastructure that is similar to wireless networks in homes and businesses.

The three main components of infrastructure wireless networks are as follows:

• Internet service
• Internet modem
• Wireless router

Figure 1-6 shows a simple layout of a Wi-Fi network. This is not necessarily how a hotspot or any specific network is set up. It merely shows a basic configuration of a wireless network.

Figure 1-6. Layout of a Basic Wi-Fi Network

Of course, to provide wireless Internet to users, you must have some type of Internet service connected to the network. Most Internet service providers (ISPs) supply a modem and usually hook it up for you. The Internet modem physically connects to the Internet line (as shown in Figure 1-6), such as a DSL or TV cable jack.

The wireless router (as shown in Figure 1-6) takes a single Internet connection and distributes usage among wired and wireless users on the network. All wireless devices on the network communicate through the wireless router. It is the controller and coordinator for all the wireless traffic.

Note

Wireless networks that need to cover an area beyond that of a single wireless router use multiple access points instead of wireless routers. Only one device on the network needs the ability to route and regulate traffic on the network. Therefore, larger networks have many access points that do not have routing features, connected to a separate piece of hardware that does the routing.

Similar Posts:

• Gather the Necessary Items
• Configure Additional Settings
• The Benefits of Openness
• Bridging the Gap
• How Users Find Hotspots