About Wireless Router

Wireless Routers are physical devices that join multiple wired or wireless networks together. Technically, a wired or wireless router can also connected like access point, laptop, or PC with Layer 3 gateway, meaning that the wired/wireless router connects networks (as gateways do), and that the router operates at the network layer of the OSI model.

Home networkers often use an Internet Protocol (IP) wired or wireless router, IP being the most common OSI network layer protocol. An IP router such as a DSL or cable modem broadband router joins the home's local area network (LAN) to the wide-area network (WAN) of the Internet.

By maintaining configuration information in a piece of storage called the routing table, wired or wireless routers also have the ability to filter traffic, either incoming or outgoing, based on the IP addresses of senders and receivers.

Some routers allow the home networker to update the routing table from a Web browser interface. Broadband routers combine the functions of a router with those of a network switch and a firewall in a single unit.

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About Access Point

In a wireless network, an access point sends and receives signals to any number of other, local wireless devices. These are usually adapters and routers.

An access point is different from a wireless router, in that it does not have a firewall and therefore is not appropriate to protect your local network against threats from the Internet. A basic wireless setup may not have an access point, but just a router (or a modem) and an adapter.

An access point extends the coverage within your network — it's put in a "dead spot", a place that's distant from the router, perhaps in a different room, or on a different floor.

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About WiMAX

What is WiMAX..?

WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, is expected to enable true broadband speeds over wireless networks at a cost point to enable mass market adoption. WiMAX is the only wireless standard today that has the ability to deliver true broadband speeds and help make the vision of pervasive connectivity a reality.

There are two main applications of WiMAX today: fixed WiMAX applications are point-to-multipoint enabling broadband access to homes and businesses, whereas mobile WiMAX offers the full mobility of cellular networks at true broadband speeds. Both fixed and mobile applications of WiMAX are engineered to help deliver ubiquitous, high-throughput broadband wireless services at a low cost.


Mobile WiMAX is based on OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) technology which has inherent advantages in throughput, latency, spectral efficiency, and advanced antennae support; ultimately enabling it to provide higher performance than today's wide area wireless technologies. Furthermore, many next generation 4G wireless technologies may evolve towards OFDMA and all IP-based networks as an ideal for delivering cost-effective wireless data services.

Intel is poised to deliver the key components needed for successful WiMAX networks. It delivered the fixed WiMAX solution, Intel® PRO/Wireless 5116 wireless modem, and is now shipping a fixed/mobile dual-mode solution, Intel® WiMAX Connection 2250. This highly cost-effective solution was designed to support both standards with an easy upgrade path from fixed to mobile and is expected to further accelerate the deployment of WiMAX networks.

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Definition of WLAN

Definition: WLANs provide wireless network communication over short distances using radio or infrared signals instead of traditional network cabling.

A WLAN typically extends an existing wired local area network. WLANs are built by attaching a device called the access point (AP) to the edge of the wired network. Clients communicate with the AP using a wireless network adapter similar in function to a traditional Ethernet adapter.

Network security remains an important issue for WLANs. Random wireless clients must usually be prohibited from joining the WLAN. Technologies like WEP raise the level of security on wireless networks to rival that of traditional wired networks.

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About 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n wireless

Home and business networkers looking to buy wireless local area network (WLAN) gear face an array of choices. Many products conform to the 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n wireless standards collectively known as Wi-Fi technologies. Additionally, Bluetooth and various other non Wi-Fi technologies also exist, each also designed for specific networking applications.

This article describes the Wi-Fi and related technologies, comparing and contrasting them to help you make educated network building decisions.

802.11

In 1997, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) created the first WLAN standard. They called it 802.11 after the name of the group formed to oversee its development. Unfortunately, 802.11 only supported a maximum network bandwidth of 2 Mbps - too slow for most applications. For this reason, ordinary 802.11 wireless products are no longer manufactured.

802.11b

IEEE expanded on the original 802.11 standard in July 1999, creating the 802.11b specification. 802.11b supports bandwidth up to 11 Mbps, comparable to traditional Ethernet.

802.11b uses the same unregulated radio signaling frequency (2.4 GHz) as the original 802.11 standard. Vendors often prefer using these frequencies to lower their production costs. Being unregulated, 802.11b gear can incur interference from microwave ovens, cordless phones, and other appliances using the same 2.4 GHz range. However, by installing 802.11b gear a reasonable distance from other appliances, interference can easily be avoided.

* Pros of 802.11b - lowest cost; signal range is good and not easily obstructed

* Cons of 802.11b - slowest maximum speed; home appliances may interfere on the unregulated frequency band

802.11a

While 802.11b was in development, IEEE created a second extension to the original 802.11 standard called 802.11a. Because 802.11b gained in popularity much faster than did 802.11a, some folks believe that 802.11a was created after 802.11b. In fact, 802.11a was created at the same time. Due to its higher cost, 802.11a is usually found on business networks whereas 802.11b better serves the home market.

802.11a supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps and signals in a regulated frequency spectrum around 5 GHz. This higher frequency compared to 802.11b shortens the range of 802.11a networks. The higher frequency also means 802.11a signals have more difficulty penetrating walls and other obstructions.

Because 802.11a and 802.11b utilize different frequencies, the two technologies are incompatible with each other. Some vendors offer hybrid 802.11a/b network gear, but these products merely implement the two standards side by side (each connected devices must use one or the other).

* Pros of 802.11a - fast maximum speed; regulated frequencies prevent signal interference from other devices

* Cons of 802.11a - highest cost; shorter range signal that is more easily obstructed 

802.11g
In 2002 and 2003, WLAN products supporting a newer standard called 802.11g emerged on the market. 802.11g attempts to combine the best of both 802.11a and 802.11b. 802.11g supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps, and it uses the 2.4 Ghz frequency for greater range. 802.11g is backwards compatible with 802.11b, meaning that 802.11g access points will work with 802.11b wireless network adapters and vice versa.

* Pros of 802.11g - fast maximum speed; signal range is good and not easily obstructed
* Cons of 802.11g - costs more than 802.11b; appliances may interfere on the unregulated signal frequency

802.11n
The newest IEEE standard in the Wi-Fi category is 802.11n. It was designed to improve on 802.11g in the amount of bandwidth supported by utilizing multiple wireless signals and antennas (called MIMO technology) instead of one.

When this standard is finalized, 802.11n connections should support data rates of over 100 Mbps. 802.11n also offers somewhat better range over earlier Wi-Fi standards due to its increased signal intensity. 802.11n equipment will be backward compatible with 802.11g gear.

* Pros of 802.11n - fastest maximum speed and best signal range; more resistant to signal interference from outside sources

* Cons of 802.11n - standard is not yet finalized; costs more than 802.11g; the use of multiple signals may greatly interfere with nearby 802.11b/g based networks.

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About Wireless LAN

Popular WLAN technologies all follow one of the three main Wi-Fi communication standards. The benefits of wireless networking depend on the standard employed:

* 802.11b was the first standard to be widely used in WLANs.

* The 802.11a standard is faster but more expensive than 802.11b; 802.11a is more commonly found in business networks.

* The newest standard, 802.11g, attempts to combine the best of both 802.11a and 802.11b, though it too is more a more expensive home networking option.

Installation

Wi-Fi networks can be configured in two different ways:

* "Ad hoc" mode allows wireless devices to communicate in peer-to-peer mode with each other.

* "Infrastructure" mode allows wireless devices to communicate with a central node that in turn can communicate with wired nodes on that LAN. Most LANs require infrastructure mode to access the Internet, a local printer, or other wired services, whereas ad hoc mode supports only basic file sharing between wireless devices.

Both Wi-Fi modes require wireless network adapters, sometimes called WLAN cards. Infrastructure mode WLANs additionally require a central device called the access point. The access point must be installed in a central location where wireless radio signals can reach it with minimal interference. Although Wi-Fi signals typically reach 100 feet (30 m) or more, obstructions like walls can greatly reduce their range.

Cost

Wireless gear costs somewhat more than the equivalent wired Ethernet products. At full retail prices, wireless adapters and access points may cost three or four times as much as Ethernet cable adapters and hubs/switches, respectively. 802.11b products have dropped in price considerably with the release of 802.11g, and obviously, bargain sales can be found if shoppers are persistent.

Reliability

Wireless LANs suffer a few more reliability problems than wired LANs, though perhaps not enough to be a significant concern. 802.11b and 802.11g wireless signals are subject to interference from other home applicances including microwave ovens, cordless telephones, and garage door openers. With careful installation, the likelihood of interference can be minimized.

Wireless networking products, particularly those that implement 802.11g, are comparatively new. As with any new technology, expect it will take time for these products to mature.

Performance

Wireless LANs using 802.11b support a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 11 Mbps, roughly the same as that of old, traditional Ethernet. 802.11a and 802.11g WLANs support 54 Mbps, that is approximately one-half the bandwidth of Fast Ethernet. Furthermore, Wi-Fi performance is distance sensitive, meaning that maximum performance will degrade on computers farther away from the access point or other communication endpoint. As more wireless devices utilize the WLAN more heavily, performance degrades even further.

Overall, the performance of 802.11a and 802.11g is sufficient for home Internet connection sharing and file sharing, but generally not sufficient for home LAN gaming.

The greater mobility of wireless LANs helps offset the performance disadvantage. Mobile computers do not need to be tied to an Ethernet cable and can roam freely within the WLAN range. However, many home computers are larger desktop models, and even mobile computers must sometimes be tied to an electrical cord and outlet for power. This undermines the mobility advantage of WLANs in many homes.

Security

In theory, wireless LANs are less secure than wired LANs, because wireless communication signals travel through the air and can easily be intercepted. To prove their point, some engineers have promoted the practice of wardriving, that involves traveling through a residential area with Wi-Fi equipment scanning the airwaves for unprotected WLANs. On balance, though, the weaknesses of wireless security are more theoretical than practical. WLANs protect their data through the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption standard, that makes wireless communications reasonably as safe as wired ones in homes.

No computer network is completely secure and homeowners should research this topic to ensure they are aware of and comfortable with the risks. Important security considerations for homeowners tend to not be related to whether the network is wired or wireless but rather ensuring:

* the home's Internet firewall is properly configured
* the family is familiar with the danger of Internet "spoof emails" and how to recognize them
* the family is familiar with the concept of "spyware" and how to avoid it

* babysitters, housekeepers and other visitors do not have unwanted access to the network

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About Wired LAN

Wired LANs use Ethernet cables and network adapters. Although two computers can be directly wired to each other using an Ethernet crossover cable, wired LANs generally also require central devices like hubs, switches, or routers to accommodate more computers.

For dial-up connections to the Internet, the computer hosting the modem must run Internet Connection Sharing or similar software to share the connection with all other computers on the LAN. Broadband routers allow easier sharing of cable modem or DSL Internet connections, plus they often include built-in firewall support.

Installation

Ethernet cables must be run from each computer to another computer or to the central device. It can be time-consuming and difficult to run cables under the floor or through walls, especially when computers sit in different rooms. Some newer homes are pre-wired with CAT5 cable, greatly simplifying the cabling process and minimizing unsightly cable runs.

The correct cabling configuration for a wired LAN varies depending on the mix of devices, the type of Internet connection, and whether internal or external modems are used. However, none of these options pose any more difficulty than, for example, wiring a home theater system.

After hardware installation, the remaining steps in configuring either wired or wireless LANs do not differ much. Both rely on standard Internet Protocol and network operating system configuration options. Laptops and other portable devices often enjoy greater mobility in wireless home network installations (at least for as long as their batteries allow).

Cost

Ethernet cables, hubs and switches are very inexpensive. Some connection sharing software packages, like ICS, are free; some cost a nominal fee. Broadband routers cost more, but these are optional components of a wired LAN, and their higher cost is offset by the benefit of easier installation and built-in security features.

Reliability

Ethernet cables, hubs and switches are extremely reliable, mainly because manufacturers have been continually improving Ethernet technology over several decades. Loose cables likely remain the single most common and annoying source of failure in a wired network. When installing a wired LAN or moving any of the components later, be sure to carefully check the cable connections.

Broadband routers have also suffered from some reliability problems in the past. Unlike other Ethernet gear, these products are relatively new, multi-function devices. Broadband routers have matured over the past several years and their reliability has improved greatly.

Performance

Wired LANs offer superior performance. Traditional Ethernet connections offer only 10 Mbps bandwidth, but 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet technology costs little more and is readily available. Although 100 Mbps represents a theoretical maximum performance never really achieved in practice, Fast Ethernet should be sufficient for home file sharing, gaming, and high-speed Internet access for many years into the future.

Wired LANs utilizing hubs can suffer performance slowdown if computers heavily utilize the network simultaneously. Use Ethernet switches instead of hubs to avoid this problem; a switch costs little more than a hub.

Security

For any wired LAN connected to the Internet, firewalls are the primary security consideration. Wired Ethernet hubs and switches do not support firewalls. However, firewall software products like ZoneAlarm can be installed on the computers themselves. Broadband routers offer equivalent firewall capability built into the device, configurable through its own software.

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The benefits of networking (either wired or wireless) in home

* file sharing - Network file sharing between computers gives you more flexibity than using floppy drives or Zip drives. Not only can you share photos, music files, and documents, you can also use a home network to save copies of all of your important data on a different computer. Backups are one of the most critical yet overlooked tasks in home networking.

* printer / peripheral sharing - Once a home network is in place, it's easy to then set up all of the computers to share a single printer. No longer will you need to bounce from one system or another just to print out an email message. Other computer peripherals can be shared similarly such as network scanners, Web cams, and CD burners.

* Internet connection sharing - Using a home network, multiple family members can access the Internet simultaneously without having to pay an ISP for multiple accounts. You will notice the Internet connection slows down when several people share it, but broadband Internet can handle the extra load with little trouble. Sharing dial-up Internet connections works, too. Painfully slow sometimes, you will still appreciate having shared dial-up on those occasions you really need it.

* multi-player games - Many popular home computer games support LAN mode where friends and family can play together, if they have their computers networked.

* Internet telephone service - So-called Voice over IP (VoIP) services allow you to make and receive phone calls through your home network across the Internet, saving you money.

* home entertainment - Newer home entertainment products such as digital video recorders (DVRs) and video game consoles now support either wired or wireless home networking. Having these products integrated into your network enables online Internet gaming, video sharing and other advanced features.

Although you can realize these same benefits with a wired home network, you should carefully consider building a wireless home network instead, for the following reasons:

1. Computer mobility. Notebook computers and other portable devices are much affordable than they were a few years ago. With a mobile computer and wireless home network, you aren't chained to a network cord and can work on the couch, on your porch, or wherever in the house is most convenient at the moment.

2. No unsightly wires. Businesses can afford to lay cable under their floors or inside walls. But most of us don't have the time or inclination to fuss with this in our home. Unless you own one of the few newer homes pre-wired with network cable, you'll save substantial time and energy avoiding the cabling mess and going wireless.

3. Wireless is the future. Wireless technology is clearly the future of networking. In building a wireless home network, you'll learn about the technology and be able to teach your friends and relatives. You'll also be better prepared for future advances in network technology coming in the future.

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What is Wireless Computer Networking?

Wireless networks utilize radio waves and/or microwaves to maintain communication channels between computers. Wireless networking is a more modern alternative to wired networking that relies on copper and/or fiber optic cabling between network devices.

A wireless network offers advantages and disadvantages compared to a wired network. Advantages of wireless include mobility and elimination of unsightly cables. Disadvantages of wireless include the potential for radio interference due to weather, other wireless devices, or obstructions like walls.

Wireless is rapidly gaining in popularity for both home and business networking. Wireless technology continues to improve, and the cost of wireless products continues to decrease. Popular wireless local area networking (WLAN) products conform to the 802.11 "Wi-Fi" standards. The gear a person needs to build wireless networks includes network adapters (NICs), access points (APs), and routers.

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Wireless Mode Infrastruktur

Modus ini juga disebut sebagai Basic Service Set (BSS) yang digunakan untuk menghubungkan wireless client dengan jaringan kabel yang telah ada. syarat untuk membangun sebuah Wireless Mode Infrastruktur adalah adanya sebuah Akses Point dan minimal sebuah wireless client.

Akses Point (AP) bisa anda banyangkan sebagai hub/switch-nya wireless. Dengan adanya akses point ini, client tidak lagi bisa berhubungan secara langsung namun semua komunikasi akan melalui akses point. Misalnya komputer A hendak mengirimkan data ke komputer B, maka aliran datanya akan ditransfer dari A ke akses point kemudian dari akses point ke komputer B. Umumnya Sebuah AP (akses point) dihubungkan ke dalam jaringan kabel yang telah ada. Saat ini, hampir semua akses point menyediakan port UTP untuk dihubungkan dengan jaringan kabel ethernet. Komputer-komputer yang terhubung ke dalam BSS ini, harus menggunakan SSID yang sama

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Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) adalah sebuah asosiasi yang dipelopori oleh Cisco yang bertugas memastikan semua peralatan yang mendapat label Wi-Fi bisa bekerja sama dengan baik sehingga memudahkan konsumen untuk menggunakan produknya.

Siapakah Anggotak Wi-Fi sehingga mereka begitu berkuasa?
Mereka adalah Cisco, Microsoft, Dell, Texas Instrumens, Apple, AT&T, dan masih banyak sekali yang tidak bisa saya sebutkan satu persatu.

Anda bisa melihat daftar anggota geng dari Wi-Fi yang sangat banyak di Http://www.wi-fi.org/our_members.php.

Organisasi Wi-Fi membuat peralatan berdasarkan spesifikasi yang telah ditetapkan oleh IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) walaupun tidak 100% sama sehingga bisa terdapat feature yang ditambahkan ke dalam peralatan wireless yang tidak ada di dalam standarisasi yang dikeluarkan oleh IEEE.

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Wireless

WIRELESS
Wireless adalah teknologi tanpa kabel, dalam hal ini adalah melakukan hubungan telekomunikasi dengan menggunakan gelombang elektromagnetik sebagai pengganti kabel. Saat ini teknologi wireless berkembang dengan pesat, secara kasat mata dapat dilihat dengan semakin banyaknya pemakaian telepon sellular, selain itu berkembang pula teknologi wireless yang digunakan untuk akses internet.
Wireless pada jaringan computer menggunakan gelombang elektromagetik (radio dan infra merah) untuk melakukan komunikasi data menyalurkan data dari satu point ke point yang lain tanpa melalui fasilitas fisik. Koneksi ini menggunakan frekuensi tertentu untuk menyalurkan data tersebut, kebanyakan Wireless pada jaringan komputer menggunakan frekuensi 2,4 GHz.
Perkembangan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi yang semakin maju membawa kemudahan bagi manusia untuk melakukuan berbagai aktivitas. Hal itu terjadi karena perkembangan tersebut menghasilkan produk teknologi yang dapat menggantikan posisi manusia atau meminimalkan kerja manusia. Salah satu teknologi yang sangat pesat perkembangannya yaitu bidang teknologi dan informasi. Hal ini dapat dilihat dari teknologi wireless (nirkabel).

Apakah itu wireless? Mungkin sebagaian orang hanya mengatakan wireless tidak menggunakan kabel. Memang istilah ini agak sulit di paparkan secara mendalam, lalu bagaimana bila kita ganti pertanyaannya menjadi apakah anda mengenal handphone? Pasti semua orang mengetahuinya. Lalu apa hubungannya wireless dengan handphone. Handphone adalah suatu alat komunikasi yang tidak menggunakan kabel. Sama dengan televisi, radio, bahkan sampai alat yang paling kecil yaitu kunci pengaman mobil anda.
Wireless memang tidak bisa menggantikan semua kabel yang ada di muka bumi ini seperti kabel untuk listrik (mungkin tidak ada wireless power atau wireless PLN sehingga anda selalu membutuhkan kabel atau baterai untuk mendapatkan listrik) namun kegunaan dari wireless sudah tidak bisa diragukan lagi.
Teknologi wireless sangat cocok dan banyak digunakan untuk menggantikan kabel-kabel mouse, kabel jaringan LAN dan bahkan kabel WAN yang sebelumnya membutuhkan jaringan dari telkom. Teknologi yang digunakan untuk masing-masing kebutuhan pun berbeda-beda sesuai dengan jarak tempuh yang mampu ditanganinya.
Semakin jauh daya jangkauan wireless, semakin tinggi pula kebutuhan daya dan semakin canggih teknologi yang digunakan, semakin tinggi pula kebutuhan hardwarenya. Anda tentu tidak suka bila setelah mengaktifkan jaringan wireless, handphone anda langsung kehabisan baterai dalam waktu 1 menit bukan? Anda juga tidak suka bila handphone anda merespon apa yang anda lakukan 10 detik kemudian atau mouse wireless anda harus sebesar buah kelapa agar tidak kehabisan daya.
Perkembangan teknologi di dunia wireless yang begitu cepat hingga menciptakan produk-produk baru yang handal, terutama dalam dunia komunikasi internet. Semakin berkembangnya jasa internet gratis atau hotspot diberbagai wilayah seperti di Mall, Cafe, Hotel, bahkan sampai ke dunia pendidikan terbukti telah muncul hotspot kampus dan sekolah. Hal inilah yang akan mempermudah kita semua dalam berkomunikasi.

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