Articles/Guides
About Wireless LAN (Wifi) / Bluetooth
Article under construction.
What is Bluetooth?Bluetooth is a specification for the use of low-power radio communications to wirelessly link phones, computers and other network devices over short distances. The name "Bluetooth" is borrowed from Harald Bluetooth, who was a king in Denmark more than 1,000 years ago.
Bluetooth technology was designed primarily to support simple wireless networking of personal consumer devices and peripherals, including cell phones, PDAs, and wireless headsets. The wireless signals transmitted in Bluetooth reach over short distances, typically up to 30 feet (10 meters). Bluetooth devices generally communicate at less than 1 Mbps.
Bluetooth networks feature a dynamic topology called a piconet or PAN. Piconets contain a minimum of two and a maximum of eight Bluetooth peer devices. Devices communicate using protocols that are part of the Bluetooth Specification.
Although the Bluetooth standard utilizes the same 2.4 Ghz range as 802.11b and 802.11g, Bluetooth technology is not a suitable Wi-Fi replacement. Compared to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth networking is much slower, a bit more limited in range, and supports many fewer devices.
As is true for Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies today, concerns with Bluetooth include security and interoperability with other networking standards.
WIRELESS LAN / WIFI
A Short History:
In 1997, when the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) created the first WLAN standard they called it 802.11. Because it could only support a maximum bandwidth of 2Mbps - far too slow for most of today's applications - ordinary 802.11 wireless products are no longer being manufactured. The next wireless incarnation was 802.11b, which supports bandwidths of up to 11Mbps, followed by the creation of 802.11g, which supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps and signals in a regulated 5 GHz range. While 802.11g is the fastest wireless technology, is it the best for your home or business? Here is a brief synopsis of the three primary 802.11 standards:
1. 802.11b - This technology supports bandwidth up to 11MBps, which is comparable to the speeds of traditional Ethernets. 802.11b uses the same 2.4GHz radio signaling as the original 802.11 standard. Because it is an unregulated frequency, 802.11b devices run the risk of incurring interference from appliances that use the same 2.4 GHz range, such as microwaves and cordless phones. However, if you install 802.11b devices out of range of other appliances, you can avoid the interference. Some manufacturers prefer using unregulated frequencies, such as 802.11b to lower their production costs. On the negative side, 802.11b is relatively slow and supports fewer simultaneous users.
2. 802.11a - IEEE created 802.11a at the same time it made 802.11b. 802.11a supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps and signals in a regulated 5 GHz range. This higher frequency limits the range of 802.11a in comparison to 802.11b, and due to its higher cost it's used primarily in the business sector rather than in homes. 802.11a's higher frequency also causes its signals to have difficulty penetrating walls and other obstructions. Because they utilize different frequencies, 802.11a and 802.11b devices are incompatible with each other.
3. 802.11g - This technology supports of up to 54 Mbps, uses the 2.4 GHz frequency and is backwards compatible with 802.11b devices. 802.11g supports more simultaneous users, offers the best signal range and is not easily obstructed. The disadvantages of 802.11g is higher cost and possible interference with appliances on the unregulated signal frequency.
The Evolution of 802.11 Wireless Technology
1997 - 802.11 - 2 MBps
1999 - 802.11a - 54 Mbps in regulated 5 GHz range. Pro: Fast access. Con: Limited range
1999 - 802.11b - 11Mbps in 2.4 GHz range
2002 - 802.11g - 54 Mbps in 2.4Ghz range and is backwards compatible with 802.11b,
Final Word: 802.11g access points will work with 802.11b wireless network adapters and vice versa.
Pro: Faster access and backwards compatibility. Con: Higher cost than 802.11b.
In 1997, when the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) created the first WLAN standard they called it 802.11. Because it could only support a maximum bandwidth of 2Mbps - far too slow for most of today's applications - ordinary 802.11 wireless products are no longer being manufactured. The next wireless incarnation was 802.11b, which supports bandwidths of up to 11Mbps, followed by the creation of 802.11g, which supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps and signals in a regulated 5 GHz range. While 802.11g is the fastest wireless technology, is it the best for your home or business? Here is a brief synopsis of the three primary 802.11 standards:
1. 802.11b - This technology supports bandwidth up to 11MBps, which is comparable to the speeds of traditional Ethernets. 802.11b uses the same 2.4GHz radio signaling as the original 802.11 standard. Because it is an unregulated frequency, 802.11b devices run the risk of incurring interference from appliances that use the same 2.4 GHz range, such as microwaves and cordless phones. However, if you install 802.11b devices out of range of other appliances, you can avoid the interference. Some manufacturers prefer using unregulated frequencies, such as 802.11b to lower their production costs. On the negative side, 802.11b is relatively slow and supports fewer simultaneous users.
2. 802.11a - IEEE created 802.11a at the same time it made 802.11b. 802.11a supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps and signals in a regulated 5 GHz range. This higher frequency limits the range of 802.11a in comparison to 802.11b, and due to its higher cost it's used primarily in the business sector rather than in homes. 802.11a's higher frequency also causes its signals to have difficulty penetrating walls and other obstructions. Because they utilize different frequencies, 802.11a and 802.11b devices are incompatible with each other.
3. 802.11g - This technology supports of up to 54 Mbps, uses the 2.4 GHz frequency and is backwards compatible with 802.11b devices. 802.11g supports more simultaneous users, offers the best signal range and is not easily obstructed. The disadvantages of 802.11g is higher cost and possible interference with appliances on the unregulated signal frequency.
The Evolution of 802.11 Wireless Technology
1997 - 802.11 - 2 MBps
1999 - 802.11a - 54 Mbps in regulated 5 GHz range. Pro: Fast access. Con: Limited range
1999 - 802.11b - 11Mbps in 2.4 GHz range
2002 - 802.11g - 54 Mbps in 2.4Ghz range and is backwards compatible with 802.11b,
Final Word: 802.11g access points will work with 802.11b wireless network adapters and vice versa.
Pro: Faster access and backwards compatibility. Con: Higher cost than 802.11b.
Q. What is a wireless LAN network(WLAN)?
A. Wireless LAN refers to technology that enables two or more mobile stations to communicate using standard network protocols, but without network cabling. The easiest analogy is thinking of your Wifi as a Cordless Phone transmitting computer data instead of Voice...
A Wireless Broadband Router or Access Point transmits a signal to your wireless-enabled deviced like your notebook or desktop computer or handheld PC. This can provide users access to a network without the need for wires. Wireless networks offer cost-effective flexibility, allowing users to move their computers around the office, house or school. (Range and speed will vary according to environmental and other factors.)
Q. Why would I want a Wireless System?
1. Different Computers can share 1 DSL / Broadband Internet Account
2. You can avoid unsightly wires running all over your residence or office
3. Different Computers can share 1 printer throught networking.
Continuing with the analogy of the Cordless Phone, a wifi access point provides you the same convenience as a cordless phone. You do not need to be near the phone line to answer the phone call, you can make calls from anywhere in the house, and you can pass around the phone without getting strangled by the wires... Our personal experience is that my wife and I open our laptops during breakfast to read the daily news via the internet.
Q. What do I need to set-up a Wireless Lan Network?
Usng the analogy of the Cordless Phone above, You will need the following to be present:
1. Broadband Internet Service Provider = A Telephone Line
2. Wifi Router or Access Point = Your Cordless Phone Base connected to the Phone Line
3. A Wifi enabled device = Your Cordless Phone Handset
Terms Defined:
Broadband (slang:DSL) - The broadband communication network has significantly greater bandwidth than telephone networks, which allows it to be shared among multiple signals - such as those for voice and data - on different frequencies.
<click here> Access Point / Wifi Router - A device that transports data between a wireless network and a wired network (infrastructure), similar in function to a wired hub.
Broadband (slang:DSL) - The broadband communication network has significantly greater bandwidth than telephone networks, which allows it to be shared among multiple signals - such as those for voice and data - on different frequencies.
<click here> Access Point / Wifi Router - A device that transports data between a wireless network and a wired network (infrastructure), similar in function to a wired hub.Q. What is the difference between an Access Point and a Wifi Router?
A. The Wireless Access point is simply a translation device that sits connected to your main PC and allows any wireless device to talk to it, this means that if that PC is off then so is everyone's internet connection.
The Wireless router, is similar to the access point but allows routing around the home network so 2 laptops can network even if the main PC is off, but again if the internet connection is through the main PC if its off then so is you web connection.
Naturally the Wireless Router is the recommended choice!
Q. Can I use my wireless notebook anywhere?
A. No! In order for you to access a wireless network, you need to be within range of your wireless access point, or public "hotspot".
In the analogy, we used a cordless phone and not a cellular phone.
Your cordless phone can only make calls as long as it can connect to the Cordless Phone Base Station.
Some public places are considered "Hot Spots" meaning you can connect your Wifi enabled device through a commercial wifi system. However this usually involves pre-paid internet access at 100.00 per hour...
Q. How far will my wireless network reach?
A. A Wireless Broadband Router or Access Point has a range of up to 300 feet (100 meters). Your reception depends on a variety of factors, including how far away your Wireless router is from your notebook or desktop computer, what the walls in your building are made of, and whether there are appliances in the room - like microwaves or cordless phones - that operate on the same frequency as your wireless network.
Q. Will Wireless integrate with my Wired network?
A. Yes. Wireless technology is a cost-effective, flexible way to expand your existing network. You can add new notebooks or desktops to your network and still have the flexibility to move them around - or out of - the office without having to run network cables to each computer.
Most Wifi Access Point Routers actually have a 4-port Cabled lan built into the system.
Q. Can I use my desktop in a wireless network?
A. Yes. By using a Wireless USB Adapter plugs into your desktop, you can gain quick access to your wireless network.
Q. Is a wireless network secure?
A. Wireless technology can provide users with the same type of security that exists on wired networks when used in conjunction with existing network security technology. Most Wireless Broadband Router offers 64-bit encryption, and the more expensive Access Points offer 128-bit encryption, helping to ensure that only authorized users can access your information.
Q. How do I secure my data on a wireless network?
A. To protect your personal or corporate data, it's essential that you enable the security systems built into every wireless Access Point product. For smaller network systems, use a combination of Service Set Identifier (SSID), Media Access Control (MAC) and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security solutions. For larger networks, Virtual Privacy Network (VPN) technology provides scalable security and gives users a dedicated and secure path over other networks.
Basic Security Set-Up: Turn-off the SSID Broadcast feature of the Access Point
SSID(Service Set Identifier) is a 32-character unique identifier. The SSID differentiates one wireless network from another, it like your Telphone Number. All access points and all devices attempting to connect to a specific wireless LAN must use the same SSID. With the SSID broadcast feature of the Access Point turned off, a possible intruder will not know there is a wireless system in the area. A device will not be permitted to join the network unless it can provide the unique SSID in the same way that someone can not call your phone unless they know your phone number...
MAC(Media Access Control) - A wireless security layer that provides computers with a unique address on a 802.11 network card. Access Points can be programmed with MAC addresses associated with certain computers that can then access an AP. Most Wifi enabled devices have specific MAC addresses. By identifying the allowed MAC Address of the Wifi device, only these devices will be able to access your wifi system.
WEP Encryption - Wired Equivalent Privacy is a security protocol for wireless LANs defined by the 802.11b standard. WEP is designed to provide the same level of security as that of a wired LAN. WEP aims to provide security by encrypting data over radio waves so that it is protected as it is transmitted from one end point to another. Assuming the intruder is able to identify your SSID and is able to by-pass the MAC(Media Access Control), through the use of WEP, he will not be able to read the data he is receiving. Think of it as a special code...
SSID(Service Set Identifier) is a 32-character unique identifier. The SSID differentiates one wireless network from another, it like your Telphone Number. All access points and all devices attempting to connect to a specific wireless LAN must use the same SSID. With the SSID broadcast feature of the Access Point turned off, a possible intruder will not know there is a wireless system in the area. A device will not be permitted to join the network unless it can provide the unique SSID in the same way that someone can not call your phone unless they know your phone number...
MAC(Media Access Control) - A wireless security layer that provides computers with a unique address on a 802.11 network card. Access Points can be programmed with MAC addresses associated with certain computers that can then access an AP. Most Wifi enabled devices have specific MAC addresses. By identifying the allowed MAC Address of the Wifi device, only these devices will be able to access your wifi system.
WEP Encryption - Wired Equivalent Privacy is a security protocol for wireless LANs defined by the 802.11b standard. WEP is designed to provide the same level of security as that of a wired LAN. WEP aims to provide security by encrypting data over radio waves so that it is protected as it is transmitted from one end point to another. Assuming the intruder is able to identify your SSID and is able to by-pass the MAC(Media Access Control), through the use of WEP, he will not be able to read the data he is receiving. Think of it as a special code...
Q. Is a wireless network difficult to install?
A. No. Wireless networks are easy and cost-effective to set up and maintain, since they eliminate time-consuming and costly cable installation. with Techonology Wifi Access Points are easy to install and set up.
<click here> 
<click here>If your notebook is not equipped with an Internal Wifi Card (Mini-PCI Card), you can easily purchase a PCMCIA Wifi PC card to fit into a slot on the side of your notebook. You also have the option to purchase a USB Wifi Adapter to make your desktop computer ready for your wireless network.
All these devices come with Set-up Wizards that let you install them easily...
Q. Is Wifi different from Bluetooth?
A. Bluetooth transmits data between devices such as cellular phones, PDAs and notebook or desktop computers through short-range radio waves. Bluetooth radio waves reach a relatively short distance (less than 100 feet), and can transmit data from the device to a Personal Area Network (PAN).
Definition of most common Terms:
64-bit & 128-bit Encryption - Encryption is a means of encoding data with a secret key or password, making it secure for transmission. Encryption levels commonly associated with wireless networks are 64-bit and 128-bit. Both numbers refer to encryption strength, with 128-bit being the strongest commercially available.
802.11a - An extension of the IEEE 802.11 standard, 802.11a is specification that applies to wireless LANs and provides up to 54 Mbps connection speed at 5 GHz. The higher operating frequency means a shorter transmission range (about 60 feet). The 802.11a standard is not interoperable with 802.11b equipment.
802.11b - Also referred to as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), 802.11b is an extension of the IEEE 802.11 standard that allows wireless functionality comparable to an Ethernet connection (or up to a 11-Mbps transfer rate).
802.11g - An extension of the standard 802.11b, which currently acts as the basis for most wireless LANs. While 802.11g can transfer up to five times more data than its predecessor (54 Mbps compared to 11 Mbps), its range generally falls 10 percent short of the 300 feet achieved through 802.11b. Both operate at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, which means that, for example, an 802.11b network card will still work with an 802.11g access point (at a range of 11 Mbps or lower).
802.11b/g WLAN w/ 125HSM/SpeedBooster(TM) 54g(TM) - Broadcom 802.11b/g WLAN with BroadRange(TM) is compatible with both 802.11b and 802.11g wireless networks. This networking card also supports 125 High Speed Mode/SpeedBooster, a 54g performance enhancement that provides additional bandwidth for applications such as sharing digital pictures. Designed for home networks, 125 High Speed Mode provides higher throughput when connected to compatible High Speed Mode equipment. BroadRange technology is a hardware enhancement that improves the range of wireless products based on 54g. It uses advanced signal processing techniques to provide the industry's best receive sensitivity, allowing 54g devices to maintain high-speed wireless connections at up to 50% further from an access point. By extending the sweet spot of connectivity, BroadRange technology is a cost-effective way to improve the Wi-Fi user experience by providing wireless coverage throughout the home. Additionally, products with the standards-compliant BroadRange technology remain interoperable with all Wi-Fi CERTIFIED devices and will not degrade the performance of other wireless products. (As with all wireless LAN cards, a wireless access point is required. Actual data transfer rates will vary depending on environmental, operational and other parameters.) Without a 125 High Speed Mode/SpeedBooster access point the data transmission speed works as an 802.11G
802.11n - may be the new standard, running at 108 Mbps with improved access distances as well. 802.11n is also expected to support MIMO (multiple input multiple output) adding technology to bounce signals off walls. Companies like Belkin already have "pre-n" devices available which boast features of the 802.11n wireless standard even though the 802.11n standard isn't standard yet.
Access Point - A device that transports data between a wireless network and a wired network (infrastructure), similar in function to a wired hub.
Broadband - The broadband communication network has significantly greater bandwidth than telephone networks, which allows it to be shared among multiple signals - such as those for voice and data - on different frequencies.
Bluetooth - A wireless, short-range radio technology aimed at voice and data networking with 1 Mbsp maximum transfer rate. Bluetooth is not compatible with 802.11 or 802.11b.
Cable Modem - A cable modem connects users to the Internet through a coaxial connection. Cable technology allows for transfer rates up to 30Mbps, however, bandwidth through a cable connection is shared among all subscribers in a defined area, or neighborhood. Actual transfer rates vary from 265Kbps to 4Mbps depending on a variety of factors.
Cat-5 Cable - Short for Category-5, Cat-5 cables allow the transfer of data at very high speeds and are commonly used to hook computers up to a local area network (LAN). Made up of four twisted copper wires, a Cat-5 cable can support frequencies up to 100 MHz and data speeds up to 100 Mbps.
DSL - Digital Subscriber Line is a technology that allows the transmission of information over your traditional telephone line. Potential speeds can be up to 25-times faster than 56K* dial-up modems.
Ethernet - Refers to the speed that data travels in the network. Ethernet speed is 10 Mbps (10 million bits per second), which is about 200 times faster than a 56K modem. Fast Ethernet technology is 10 times faster than that, about 100 Mbps.
Encryption - Encryption is a means of encoding data with a secret key or password, making it secure for transmission. Encryption levels commonly associated with wireless networks are 64-bit and 128-bit. Both numbers refer to encryption strength, with 128-bit being the strongest commercially available.
Floppy Drive - Floppy drives record up to 1.44 MB of data on a rugged 3.5" removable magnetic diskette.
GHz - Short for gigahertz, GHz is a unit of frequency equal to one billion cycles per second. The speed of computer processors, or clock speed, is often measured in gigahertz. As an example, a Dell C800 Latitude notebook that has a 2.0 GHz processor can execute 2.0 billion cycles per second.
Hotspots - A hotspot is a specific geographic location where a notebook or PDA user can access the Internet through wireless network access points. Hotspots are commonly located in public locations, such as hotels, airports, libraries, convention centers and train stations. Hotspots have limited range of access.
IP Address - An IP Address is an identifier for a computer on the Internet or network. The format of an IP Address is a numeric address 32-characters long, separated into four sections by periods. Each number can be zero to 255. The numbers in an IP Address are used to identify a particular network and host.
ISP - Short for Internet Service Provider, an ISP is a company that provides individuals and companies access to the Internet to surf the World Wide Web and send and receive e-mail.
LAN - Local Area Network is a series of interconnected computers that can share resources, peripherals, and access to the Internet.
Management Information Bases (MIB) - A Management Information Base is a database of objects that can be monitored by a network management system
Media Access Control (MAC) - A wireless security layer that provides computers with a unique address on a 802.11 network card. Access Points can be programmed with MAC addresses associated with certain computers that can then access an AP.
Megabits per second (Mbps) - Megabits per second are a measure of bandwidth (the total information flow over a given time) on a telecommunications medium.
Network Management System - The hardware and software that helps system administrators manage the security, performance and reliability of a network of computers.
NIC (PC Network Card) - Network Interface Card allows the computer to communicate with a network of other computers and the Internet. Each computer on a home network-whether wired or wireless-must have a network interface card. Internal Cards (Mini-PCI cards) - Internal wireless network cards are hardwired to your notebook's motherboard and give you access to a wireless network. External Cards - A credit card-size object that fits into the network card slot, commonly located on sides of notebook computers, the external NIC gives you access to a wireless network.-
PAN - Personal Area Network is a short-range wireless connection among personal devices such as PCs, cell phones, and PDAs. A common PAN standard is Bluetooth, which is a wireless, short-range radio technology aimed at voice and data networking with 1Mbsp maximum transfer rate.
PCI Adapter - A PCI Adapter card is a piece of hardware that is plugged into a computer's motherboard allowing your system to connect either to a wired or wireless network. A PCI Adapter card commonly contains either Ethernet ports for connection to a wired network, or a PC Card slot for connection to a wireless network.
Roaming - Some access points allow users to move through a facility, or "roam", while maintaining an unbroken connection to the LAN.
Router - A router is a freestanding piece of hardware that transfers data between networks or between networked PCs and the Internet.
Screen Resolution - Resolution refers to the number of pixels, or dots of color, viewable on a display. Resolution is often given as the number of pixels in a row and the number in a column. Generally, the higher the resolution, the sharper the image.
SmartCard - Smart cards are credit-card sized devices containing internal integrated circuit (IC) chips. Smart cards offer greatly improved security by requiring both a physical object (the smart card) and a password or PIN before users can gain access to a system or network.
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) - The network management protocol that defines the transfer of LAN operational data between Management Information Bases (MIBs).
SSID - Service Set Identifier is a 32-character unique identifier. The SSID differentiates one wireless network from another. All access points and all devices attempting to connect to a specific wireless LAN must use the same SSID. A device will not be permitted to join the network unless it can provide the unique SSID.
USB - Short for Universal Serial Bus, a USB is an external bus standard that allows the transfer of data at rates up to 12 Mbps. A USB port is used to connect peripheral devices, such as mice, printers and keyboards among others, to your computer.
VPN - A virtual private network (VPN) uses a public telecommunications infrastructure, like the Internet, to provide a group of users with secure access to a network. Virtual Private Networks provide better security and are more effective than SSID, MAC and WEP for large wireless networks.
WAN - Wide Area Network is a computer network serving a large geographic area, often through telephone lines or satellite links.
WEP Encryption - Wired Equivalent Privacy is a security protocol for wireless LANs defined by the 802.11b standard. WEP is designed to provide the same level of security as that of a wired LAN. WEP aims to provide security by encrypting data over radio waves so that it is protected as it is transmitted from one end point to another.
Wireless Base Station - A base station is an 802.11b wireless access point with a built in Internet router. With a connection to a cable or DSL modem, the base station can give both wired and wireless computers simultaneous access to the Internet.
Wi-Fi - Wireless Fidelity technology, also known as 802.11b IEEE wireless technology, uses the same networking standards as Ethernet (wired networks), with comparable look and feel, for most everyday tasks.
WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network is a series of interconnected PCs that communicate over the airwaves as if they were connected with wires.
