What is WiFi? Full Information

WiFi: Full Information

CONTENT TO BE COVER

• What is Wi-Fi ?
• Governing Standard Body
• HISTORY
• Specification
• Privacy & Security
• Advantages & Disadvantages

What is Wi-Fi ?

• Short for wireless fidelity.
• It is a wireless technology that uses radio frequency to transmit data through the air.
• Wi-Fi is based on the 802.11 standard:

          802.11a
          802.11b
          802.11g

Governing Standard Body

• Formed in 1999
• Founding Companies

1. 3Com
2. Aironet
3. Harris Semi Condoctor
4. Lucent
5. Symbol Technologies
6. Nokia

HISTORY

• IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) established the 802.11 Group in 1990. Specifications for standard ratified in 1997.
• Initial speeds were 1 and 2 Mbps.
• IEEE modified the standard in 1999 to include:
802.11b 

802.11a

 802.11g was added in 2003.
• IEEE Created standard, but Wi-Fi Alliance certifies products

Specification

• 802.11a
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n
  

802.11a Standard

Completely different from 11b and 11g.
Flexible because multiple channels can be combined for faster throughput and more access points can be co-located.
Shorter range than 11b and 11g.
Runs in the 5 GHz range, so less interference from other devices.
Has 12 channels, 8 non-overlapping, and supports rates from 6 to 54 Mbps, but realistically about 27 Mbps max
Uses frequency division multiplexing

802.11b Standard

Well-supported, stable, and cost effective, but runs in the 2.4 GHz range that makes it prone to interference from other devices (microwave ovens, cordless phones, etc) and also has security disadvantages.
Limits the number of access points in range of each other to three.
Has 11 channels, with 3 non-overlapping, and supports rates from 1 to 11 Mbps, but realistically about 4-5 Mbps max.
Uses direct-sequence spread-spectrum technology.

802.11g Standard

Extension of 802.11b, with the same disadvantages (security and interference).
Has a shorter range than 802.11b.
Is backwards compatible with 802.11b so it allows or a smooth transition from 11b to 11g.
Flexible because multiple channels can be combined for faster throughput, but limited to one access point.
Runs at 54 Mbps, but realistically about 20-25 Mbps and about 14 Mbps when b associated
Uses frequency division multiplexing

Privacy & Security

• MAC Address Filtering
• WEP
• WPA
• WPA2

MAC Address Filtering

MAC address filtering allows you to define a list of devices and only allow those devices on your Wi-Fi network.

WEP

WEP is a security protocol,    specified in the IEEE Wireless Fidelity  standard,     802.11b, that is designed to provide a wireless local area network   with a level  of security

WPA  &  WPA II

Wi-Fi  Protected  Access and Wi-Fi  Protected Access II  are two security protocols and security certification   programs developed by the Wi-Fi      Alliance to secure wireless computer networks.

Advantages

• Freedom – You can work from any location    that you can get a signal.
• Setup Cost – No cabling required.
• Flexibility – Quick and easy to setup in temp or permanent space.
• Scaleable – Can be expanded with growth.
• Mobile Access – Can access the network on the move.

Disadvantages

• Speed – Slower than cable.
• Range – Affected by various medium.
•            – Travels best through open space.
•            – Reduced by walls, glass, water, etc
• Security  – Greater exposure to risks.
•                –Unauthorized access.
•                –Compromising data.
•                –Denial of service.

Conclusion

• Wi-Fi is a simple, cost-effective way to connect  to the internet, without the need to physically     connecting wires.
• Hotspot is a geographic area setup in any public location. And has a readily accessible wireless  network.
• Security is a huge challenge for Wi-Fi networks many security techniques are used to improve it.
• Wi-Fi networks have a several limitations that    should be concerned.

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