Relieving Overburdened 3G, Ruckus Rolls Out Smart Wi-Fi

Mobile network operators have long had a love-hate relationship with 802.11 wireless. Some feared revenue siphoning by Wi-Fi hotspots; others looked to Wi-Fi for 3G offload but were troubled by lack of control over unlicensed spectrum. But Ruckus Wireless believes that carriers are now starting to think differently about Wi-Fi - and have pounced upon this opportunity with a new suite of carrier-grade 802.11 products.

"All of the operators are getting creamed by over-the-top services," said Steven Glapa, Senior Director of Field Marketing at Ruckus. "Mobile device evolution and growing traffic problems are making it ever more clear to carriers that they need to use the right tool for the right job. LTE is well suited for highly-mobile users, but not small high-density wireless cells. Carriers are realizing that Wi-Fi can be a strategic weapon [to fill this need], not just a band aid."

Not your father's Wi-Fi

The challenge here is that many carriers do not consider 802.11 products designed for residential or even enterprise deployment suitable for commercial wireless service delivery on a grand scale. To meet carrier requirements for high bandwidth, real-time service-level control, and cost-effective scalability in RF-hostile outdoor environments, Ruckus leveraged its experience in the wide-area Wi-Fi service market to expand its portfolio.

• The ZoneFlex 7731 ($1,199) is a new outdoor point-to-multipoint 5 GHz 802.11n wireless high-speed backhaul bridge. Up to 5 bridges can be deployed with up to 30 degrees apart, with single-hop throughput ranging from 60 Mbps at 12 kilometers to 180 Mbps at 1 kilometer. This bridge is designed for carriers that deploy low density wireless broadband access or for small 3G cell backhaul.
• The ZoneFlex 7762-S ($1,999) is a new outdoor mesh 802.11n AP with a 120 degree "Smart-Sector" antenna designed to deliver 10 dB signal gain over horizontal coverage areas. For example, a carrier might use the ZF7762-S to deliver first-mile access in venues where Wi-Fi needs to reach rooftop customer premises equipment (CPE) throughout a serving area.
• The MediaFlex 7200 (from $99) is a new series of inexpensive 2.4 GHz 802.11n CPE designed to pair well with the ZF 7762-S. Available in three models (indoor/outdoor, internal/external antennas), the ZF7200 can be mounted on a pole or wall to be used as a remotely-managed, two-SSID residential bridge or router.
• Carriers can manage all of these products from a central location using the FlexMaster 9.0 (from $5,000), which Ruckus claims is capable of handling tens of thousands of Smart Wi-Fi network elements and hundreds of thousands of Wi-Fi clients. Features of special interest to carriers include capacity planning, SLA visibility, efficient single-dashboard drill-down trouble-shooting, and compliance reporting.

Carrier-class 802.11

These new products, available immediately, are designed to help carriers use Wi-Fi to tap service delivery opportunities, from triple-play residential services and 3G offload to first/last mile access in developing markets and managed enterprise WLANs. However, according to Glapa, carriers can't tolerate uncertainty and unlicensed spectrum makes them nervous. "They absolutely must have interference management to deliver reliable services in concrete canyons, and our adaptive antennas are ideal for this."

But carriers are not easily convinced, so Ruckus ran competitive tests to produce some compelling evidence. The company created a high-interference live test environment consisting of 191 APs in a 3,000 square meter facility to simulate the density of a metro-area like Manhattan.

When an iPhone 3G using Wi-Fi was faced with this interference, its average throughput dropped from 8.7 to 5.5 Mbps over Ruckus. "That's about 75 percent, which is not perfect, but it's pretty good when you consider that two other industry-leading APs dropped to 0.3 and 0.1 Mbps," said Glapa.

Seeing is believing, so Ruckus also intends to use customer case studies to convince potentially skeptical carriers. For example, Tikona has already deployed over 35,000 Ruckus mesh APs to deliver last-mile wireless broadband services throughout India, and plans to continue installing 1,000 new 802.11g APs on rooftops each week. Live network samples show that 80 percent of those APs are now delivering 5 Mbps or better last-mile service - despite running over a non-engineered, self-organized set of 2.4 GHz channels. Other large carrier case studies include Chilean CLEC STEL (metro-area wireless throughout Santiago) and US 4G ISP Towerstream (3G backhaul throughout Manhattan).

Many high-profile metro-area Wi-Fi projects have failed in the past. But times are changing, and 3G/4G bandwidth is increasingly scarce and expensive. Only time will tell whether carriers really are ready to rethink their relationship with Wi-Fi. But if Ruckus is right, these new carrier-grade Wi-Fi products should fare well - highly scalable, competitively priced, and attractive total cost of ownership relative to average revenue per use (ARPU).

Linux Wi-Fi: Supercharge a Buffalo

The popular DD-WRT project was initially an offshoot of the original Linksys firmware for the WRT54, but has since undergone a complete rewrite, and now uses the OpenWRT kernel. DD-WRT is a fine upgrade for your WRT54 wireless router, or any similar device under other brand names, and there are a lot of them. The current bargain is the Buffalo WHR-G54S, which can be found for under $40. This is a popular upgrade, because it turns your buggy, inflexible, inexpensive wireless router into a rock-solid routin' powerhouse, with all manner of useful services: name services, firewalling, port forwarding, RADIUS authentication, Ethernet bridging, IPv6 support, QoS, SMB/CIFS automount, and Internet access controls.

The Buffalo WHR-G54S has limited storage; only 4 megabytes of NVRAM, and 16 megabytes of system RAM. So it doesn't have room for all of the available DD-WRT options. But you get an amazing amount of functionality into this little box, and for the price it's a steal. It will serve as an Internet router and firewall for 30 or so users, provided they're not online gambling nuts or BitTorrent addicts. You could also use it as LAN router, a LAN bridge, a dedicated wireless access point, part of a wireless mesh network, or a VPN gateway.

Installation

Let's take a walk through installing the DD-WRT firmware on the Buffalo WHR-G54S, because there are some tricky bits. These directions also apply to the Buffalo WHR-HP-G54, WZR-HP-G54, and WZR-RS-G54. With a lot of these little routers you can upload new firmware using their factory Web interfaces. But the Buffalo boxes, which are based on Broadcom hardware, accept only special encrypted firmware over the Web interface. So we have to sneak DD-WRT in through the back door, which is a short interval at bootup where the Broadcom flash ROM enters a special mode that allows new firmware to be uploaded via tftp transfer.

Prerequisites

• Make sure you have the tftp command installed
• If any device or computer on your network has the IP address of 192.168.1.1, take it off the network or change the address, because that is the default IP address in the DD-WRT firmware
• Make sure you have the route and ip commands available; these come with the net-tools and iproute packages

Your Buffalo router will plug into your LAN switch just like any other device. For now you want to stick with old-fashioned wired Ethernet; don't try to do this over a wireless connection. Go ahead and power it up, and point a Web browser at http://192.168.11.1. (For the WZR-RS-G54 it's 192.168.12.1.) The default login is root, with no password.

If this doesn't fit your LAN addressing, there is an easy way to get there. Use the ip command to add an address to the network interface of your PC, then add a host route:

# ip address add dev eth0 192.168.11.2
# route add -host 192.168.11.1 gw 192.168.11.2

If you have a WZR-RS-G54, use the 192.168.12.* addresses. Now you should be able to ping your router:

$ ping 192.168.11.1
PING 192.168.11.1 (192.168.11.1) 56(84) bytes of data.
64 bytes from 192.168.11.1: icmp_seq=1 ttl=64 time=0.633 ms

You can also run a ping test from the router; just click the System Info button to find the ping page.

All righty then, you know it works. Unplug the router's power cord, and go to the Downloads page at DD-WRT.com and download the dd-wrt.v23_mini_generic.bin file, or whatever the latest version is. Make sure it's mini_generic.bin. Change to the directory that contains the new firmware. Then run these commands:

carla@xena:~/downloads$ tftp
tftp> binary
tftp> trace
Packet tracing on.
tftp> rexmt 1
tftp> connect 192.168.11.1

Now type in the next command, but don't hit enter:

tftp> put dd-wrt.v23_mini_generic.bin

Hold the Buffalo router so you can see the green Ethernet port LEDS, which are on the back next to the ports. When it's first plugged in, all of them light up. When they all turn off except for your one connected port, hit 'enter' to execute your last tftp command. If it works, you'll see a lot of

sent DATA
received ACK
sent DATA
received ACK

Sent 2555904 bytes in 3.7 seconds
tftp>

When it's finally booted up, you'll see two green LEDs on the front panel; one for power, and a green "g" for wireless G. Now you can point your Web browser to 192.168.1.1 and be greeted by the DD-WRT control panel. If you click on any tabs you'll be asked for a login. The default is root, admin. Just like before, if this address doesn't fall into the same range as your LAN, just add a compatible address and route to your PC. Then you can log in to DD-WRT and change it.

I know, we wouldn't have to go through this silliness if it had a serial port. But it doesn't, so here we are, and be glad Linux is so flexible and capable.

Initial Setup

Naturally you'll want to change the login and password to something the whole world doesn't already know, under the Administration tab. Then you should disable Telnet and enable SSH, Administration -> Services. Don't worry about keys; just make sure the box for "Authorized Keys" is empty, including no spaces. Then configure networking under Setup -> Basic Setup.

DD-WRT includes only an NTP (Network Time Protocol) client, so you'll need a separate local NTP server. Enter the IP address of your local time server on the Administration page. Remember to use the pool.ntp.org addresses for your local time server, like this example for North America:

server 0.north-america.pool.ntp.org
server 1.north-america.pool.ntp.org
server 2.north-america.pool.ntp.org
server 3.north-america.pool.ntp.org

Visit www.pool.ntp.org for information for other zones.

Package Management

With the minimal installation, you'll have a bit less than one megabyte of space to install additional applications. But install them you can with ipkg. First turn on JFFS, the Journaling Flash File System, on the Administration page. Check both "Enable JFFS2" and "Clean JFFS2". Then click the "Save Settings" button, and the router will reboot. Once it's back up, ssh in and see what ipkg can do:

carla@xena:~$ ssh root@192.168.1.1 ~ # df -h Filesystem             
Size      Used Available Use% Mounted on /dev/root 1.9M 1.9M
0 100% / /dev/mtdblock/4 1.3M    324.0k    956.0k  25% /jffs

OK, you have a little room to play with. Run ipkg with no options to get a list of commands:

~ # ipkg

Now you can generate and view a package list:

~ # ipkg update
~ # ipkg list

And that's as far we go today. Come back soon to learn some advanced DD-WRT tips and tricks.

Broadcom's On Board With Linux. Who's Next?

Though they might not have admitted it in public at the time, Linux advocates spent a large of the last decade grumbling about poor support for wireless networking devices. A big source of their discontent was Wi-Fi chip maker Broadcom, which produced a lot of the mobile chipsets and never got around to releasing Linux drivers for its wares.

Now, however, Broadcom has begun to release Linux drivers licensed liberally enough for distribution with the Linux kernel. Besides making life easier for Linux laptop users, Enterprise Networking Planet columnist Brian Proffitt suggests that holdout manufacturers might start seeing the sense of broadening their own support of Linux.

Looking forward, the ease-of-use benefits will make it easier for Linux to be shipped as an OEM platform, and installed post-market by technology adopters. More importantly, having a major hardware vendor like Broadcom take a look at Linux and decide to invest the time and effort in creating a Linux driver should mean that other hardware vendors sitting on the fence regarding a Linux driver for their own offerings may come to the conclusion that Linux is something they can no longer ignore.

They may have come to that conclusion already. The success of the Android operating system has pushed a lot of vendors (including Broadcom) to create drivers for Android devices. The BCM4319 and BCM4329 SDIO chipsets were already supported on Android, which is close enough to Linux to get support for those devices into Android's predecessor. As Android shows up on more devices, you can expect to see more Linux-ready hardware drivers appearing in the near future.

Linux will also be collecting drivers on its own merits, I would expect. Whatever the tipping point was for Broadcom to release this driver, I have a hard time believing other vendors won't be following suit quickly, especially given how resistant to Linux Broadcom has been in the past.

It is, after all, just one driver among many, and there are indeed many more drivers needed. But Broadcom may the the leader of a driver rush for Linux, which is something the operating system has needed for a long time

Cisco Ipsec VPN

I have seen some discussion regarding IPSEC VPN's on Cisco devices. Below is a quick tutorial on Cisco IPSEC VPN's. This tutorial is written for 12.4 versions of the IOS.

When creating these connections, you must consider:

• Crypto settings
• ACL's
• Outside interfaces

You can have many SA (security associations) for a crypto map, and inside of a specific SA you can have multiple peers in the list. The VPN engine will process the peers in the order they are listed. This is useful when you are using tracking objects for failover and therefore may have the remote peer coming from multiple IP addresses.

ACL's will be used to control which traffic will be forwarded through the IPSec connection. This will read as "allow all traffic on my local side to send to any local ip address at the remote side". This can be adjusted as you see fit. Assume that I am connection two class C networks via an IPSec VPN. My access list may read as:

• 10 permit ip 192.168.0.0 0.0.0.255 192.168.2.0 0.0.0.255

I am sure there is a way to connect when both subnets are the same using NAT; however I feel that this is bad form. In those cases where I have found that both ranges are the same, I will change one of the ranges. This can be a pain in the ass, but in the long run is a best practice.

As you can see from the sample configurations, this is a peer relationship. Regardless of speed or hardware, there is not Master or Secondary. Cisco calls these configurations Mirrors. The configurations are the same with certain variables reversed.

I cannot recommend enough; DO NOT use the SDM for this. Unless you enjoy 400 line ACL's, you will have a much more pleasurable experience creating these manually. The process is simple and very quick once you get used to it.

I hope this helps you. Please let me know if you spot any typos or mistakes that I made during the creation of this.

LEGEND

• our_key = a key which will be used on both sides. This can be any string of characters.
• Side_A_IP = the public IP address of Side A. This will be the ip address for the interface which has the crypto map attached to it.
• Side_B_IP = the public IP address of Side B. This will be the ip address for the interface which has the crypto map attached to it.
• Crypto_map_name = this is the name of the crypto map. It can be any string of characters.
• Crypto_integer = this is an integer which attaches an ipsec connection to the crypto map.
• ACL_To_Site_B = this is an ACL which will exist at site A to connect to site B.
• ACL_Tp_Site_A = this is an ACL which will exist at site B to connect to site A.
• Public_Interface = this is the public interface which the VPN will be connecting through.
• Site_A_Internal_IP_Range = this is the internal ip range at site A. In the config i am assuming a class C.
• Site_B_Internal_IP_Range = this is the internal ip range at site B. In the config i am assuming a class C.

EXAMPLE Side A 
Crypto isakmp policy 1   encr 3des   authentication pre-share 
group 2 Crypto isakmp key our_key address Side_B_IP no-xauth 
crypto ipsec transform-set trans esp-3des esp-sha-hmac 
Crypto map crypto_map_name crypto_integer ipsec-isakmp 
set peer Side_B_IP 
set transform set trans   match address ACL_To_Site_B 
Interface Public_Interface 
crypto map crypto_map_name  
ip access-list extended ACL_To_Site_B 
10 permit ip Site_A_Internal_
IP_Range 0.0.0.255 Site_B_Internal_IP_Range 0.0.0.255 
EXAMPLE Side B   Crypto isakmp policy 1   encr 3des 
authentication pre-share   group 2
Crypto isakmp key our_key address Side_A_IP no-xauth 
crypto ipsec transform-set trans esp-3des esp-sha-hmac 
Crypto map crypto_map_name crypto_integer ipsec-isakmp 
set peer Side_A_IP   set transform set trans  
match address ACL_To_Site_A 
Interface Public_Interface   crypto map crypto_map_name 
ip access-list extended ACL_To_Site_A 
10 permit ip Site_B_Internal_IP_Range 0.0.0.255
Site_A_Internal_IP_Range 0.0.0.255 

Multi-tech wireless broadband

Combining cellular network, WiMAX, and Wi-Fi

Balancing cost, performance, and resource utilization drive technological convergence. Inevitably the merger of WWAN (3GPP/3GPP2 cellular network), WMAN (WiMAX), and WLAN (Wi-Fi) will form the future technological backbone of wireless broadband networks. Moreover, Mesh backhaul will encompass various wireless devices within an enormous optical fiber broadband network.

WWAN, WMAN, and WLAN possess idiosyncratic strengths and weaknesses. The access rate of the GPRS is dozens of Kbps, while Wi-Fi can range between dozens and even hundreds of Mbps. The coverage range of GPRS is tens of kilometers, compared with Wi-Fi's modest range of less than 100 meters. At the same access rate, GPRS supports a mobile speed of up to hundreds of kilometers per hour, yet Wi-Fi is notably sluggish. Considerable differences also arise in cost: the cost per bit or service charge of GPRS is remarkably high, while Wi-Fi is almost free.

While WWAN, WMAN, and WLAN have their specific core applications, the three can be mutually supplementary. Cellular networks such as GPRS/EDGE/EVDO/HSPA/LTE offer broad coverage, roaming capability, and high-speed mobility. Wi-Fi and Mobility Ad Hoc are the most suitable for high-rate and large-volume indoor data services after being upgraded to carrier-class. WiMAX can be regarded as an upgraded version of 3G Packet Switching (PS), a quasi-4G version, or an upgraded version of Wi-Fi. Integrating the advantages of both cellular and Wi-Fi networks, WiMAX represents an optimum technology for MAN coverage, with hybrid networking of micro and macro BTSs.

End users are most concerned with the balance of price and quality, and the latter is mostly judged by download rates. A convergence-oriented combination of technologies is urgently required to satisfy subscribers' increasingly stringent demands on fees, performance, coverage, and mobility. Moreover, these demands span multiple networks that are embraced by a range of different standards.

For example, subscribers can expect low cost and high speed Wi-Fi or WiMAX access in the home, while Wi-Fi hotspot coverage or WiMAX is more suitable for airports or other places where broadband access needs to have a wider range and guaranteed throughput. In areas that lack Wi-Fi or WiMAX, cellular networks can maintain basic service availability. Undoubtedly, the resulting QoE will be consistently high and seamless, and the intelligent combination of technologies will be welcomed by subscribers.

wireless broadband networks

In future wireless broadband networks, an open terminal, or Intelligent Internet Device (IID), will act as a portal. It will integrate services and provide customer experiences. IIDs can access networks through different air interfaces and use only one widget or button for a given service application, including voice and data services. Data services in the 3G/4G era will be as popular as SMS in the 2G era. Unlike voice and SMS, data services have spawned from the Internet, and are therefore more diversified, complex, and flexible.

In the future wireless broadband market, we can predict that:

• The voice service will lose its dominant position and become a basic service. The technical threshold of SIP-based VoIP will continue to decrease, and most SPs will provide a VoIP "button". Voice services–and especially VoIP–will supplement other services in the same way that voice currently supplements IM in MSN. The traditional telecom operation mode that only provides a voice service will vanish.

• Streaming media will play an even more pivotal role in data services. The ARPU (for data and voice) of streaming media will be replaced by other indices such as average bandwidth speed (ABWS) and the average bandwidth consumption per month (ABWC). In addition, a greater range of business models will accommodate ARPU of data services. Listing services top-down in terms of requirements on network transmission quality yields the following order: online games, real-time videos, voice services, streaming media, Web browsing, and non-real-time services (such as FTP, BT, SMTP/POP). These services have different requirements for network indices such as jitter, delay, bandwidth, QoS, QoE, and security. Streaming media most closely bonds the requirements of subscribers and the provisioning capability of networks. As a key broadband data service, it will no doubt increase popularity among subscribers, and consume the major share of bandwidth resources.

Spectrum resources will be the key

The spectrum is inherently a rare resource. Shannon's theory holds that channel capacity is influenced by two factors: spectrum bandwidth and SNR. It is impossible to fully eliminate noise, and increases in signal strength are limited. Hence, spectrum resources are vital to meeting the increasing demand of subscribers for wireless data traffic volumes.

In most countries, high quality spectrum resources have been historically occupied by narrowband voice, radio, and television. This includes most civil spectrum resources and a certain amount of dedicated spectrum resources for the military, civil aviation, railway, security industries, and for radio and television. In future, these high quality spectrum resources will be gradually released for new communication technologies applications, albeit as part of a very slow process. This is the reason why the white-space spectrum is so valuable.

Among existing, advanced wireless broadband technologies, HSPA and WiMAX possess the advantages of precocity. In contrast to other technologies, the two have a developmental window of opportunity spanning 3 to 4 years, and will be allocated frequency resources before other technologies. The application of HSPA can target the personal mobile broadband (MBB) market, while WiMAX can focus on home and enterprise broadband services. In consideration of market competition and investment protection, HSPA and WiMAX will form significant wireless broadband technologies in the coming years.

New technologies and concepts

Cloud computing

For many years, computing resources have been exploited and expanded in the information and communication field to compensate for the dearth and expense of bandwidth resources. Increases in bandwidth availability coupled with a decrease in costs will soon bring the advantages of cloud computing into sharper relief. If the majority of core computing resources gather into a "cloud", only simple processing tasks such as optimizing visual and aural effects are required at the client level to provide high QoE at low cost. The cloud model thus centralizes resources, simplifies their reuse and management, and enhances efficiency.

However, cloud computing visits problems on customization and diversity. Though the model gathers computing and digital media resources into the cloud, meeting individual requirements either via the same cloud or through different clouds is another matter entirely. The solution, however, lies with tailor-made and personalized portals that allow subscribers to use any type of terminal to obtain a personal, mobile homepage, which is application-ready and can be customized.

Accessing information through cloud computing is similar to Paying with Plastic in that the terminal resembles an intelligent credit card, resource clouds mirror virtual banks and Internet stores, and the wireless broadband network forms an ATM or POS. Subscribers store home pages and access these banks and stores through a unique personal network ID (or what we refer to as a "communication fingerprint"). The private ID database, home page database, widget stores of network applications, and resource and settlement platforms all describe new NEs that exist under cloud computing architecture.

While cloud computing may be useful in specific contexts such as computing and for applications in dedicated networks, it has little impact on the architecture of wireless broadband networks.

Mesh and SON

The Mesh and Self-Organizing Network(SON) technologies fall under the same category. The SON technology deploys auto-configuration, auto-discovery, auto-organization, and multi-hop routing to form an SON comprising independent nodes. When network topology changes or links disconnect, the SON technology's self-healing and self-organization capabilities guarantee network connectivity and can optimize network-wide performance.

The wireless Mesh is a multi-hop network that has evolved from an Ad Hoc network. Mesh technology connects independent network nodes to optimize overall performance. The expectation on intelligent Mesh technology is relatively logical as disorganized networks must demonstrate a "clear and logical thinking ability" to manage a host of complex networks, efficiently interconnect independent network nodes, and facilitate their inter-communication.

At present, disorganized networks such as Wi-Fi networks cannot realize a greater "sense of organization" than cellular networks. We hope that the future application of intelligent Mesh technology can arrange these disorganized networks into a complex, SON capable of improving the performance across entire networks.

The future of wireless broadband

Wireless broadband aims to provide universal access (UA) and always broadband connection (ABC) services anytime, at any place, and across any heterogeneous network using any terminal.

Wireless broadband incorporates numerous technologies including multiple types of cellular technology, fixed and nomadic wireless access, wireless LAN, and even Bluetooth. Combined with All-IP technology, wireless broadband networks can provide broadband wireless access for subscribers in both low and high speed mobile environments. Wireless broadband can seamlessly transit between cellular systems, regional wireless networks, and radio/television/satellite communication systems.

Wireless broadband networks must optimally combine various technologies to enhance end user's QoE. In the future, wireless broadband is expected to provide a minimum single-user rate of 2×768 Kbps, or data and protocol rates of 1Mbps/m². It is clear that only a hybrid wireless network is adequate to deliver a mobile, economical broadband service, since single mode networking lacks the capability. The handover between heterogeneous networks (or vertical handover) in hybrid networking will shatter the restrictions on improving applications and performance that occurs in the handover between homogeneous networks (horizontal handover). By using a single terminal based on open wireless architecture (OWA), the end users can drive through network boundaries, realize UA and ABC, and then enjoy broadband services and applications anytime, at any location, and through any network.

Combining technologies invariably present unexpected difficulties, while the breakthrough of these difficulties can deliver surprising benefits. For example, the problems associated with Wi-Fi operation and inter-network roaming will be gradually solved, and this will greatly improve the popularization of Wi-Fi. The real end-to-end (E2E) application of wireless broadband will emerge after holistic technological maturity allows a single terminal to seamlessly roam among multiple networks of different standards. This will indeed represent a milestone feat, and is a colorful vision that motivates industry players.

Wi-Fi speeds into the future

NEWS.COM VISION SERIES 3--When Vic Hayes was designing wireless networks inside Toronto auto plants, he had an inkling about the potential for the technology. Throughout the 1990s, the Dutch native kept at his labour of love, which earned him the sobriquet of father of Wi-Fi.

Hayes, who oversaw the first working group to draft what became the 802.11b standard, has since played a leading role in shepherding the development of the Wi-Fi technology used by an estimated 8 million wireless networks in US homes and offices. Although Wi-Fi has turned into one of the hottest young technologies, Hayes says the real excitement will start after the computer industry hurdles the 100mbps (megabits per second) speed barrier.

How fast will Wi-Fi become?

It's hard to say, but compare it to the wired industry. The Internet was 10 megabits (per second) for a very long time. Then they went to 100 megabits. Now it's at 1 gigabit, and soon, 10 gigabits. If you extrapolate that to wireless, the dream might be also going in that direction--as soon as we get spectrum, though.

Can Wi-Fi attain that speed and still have a 300-foot range?

It will likely work over distances. When we were working very hard on the first standard, the thought was that the best you could do was 2 megabits. It has to do with reflections. It's like a big cathedral, when a reverend is talking too fast. You can't hear it anymore because one syllable is overthrown by syllables he spoke a few seconds ago. He has to talk slowly to be able to be heard.

So what's going to be the biggest technology impediment to the widespread adoption of Wi-Fi?

Technology-wise I do not see any impediment. The main impediment is the market and the investment to develop the market. Wi-Fi will come to business use in laptops, anyway. It is just a matter of using it and installing access points in offices.

Given that there's scarcity of spectrum, how do we get any more of it? Is that even possible?

There is spectrum in the higher frequency range, but the technology is still too expensive for the markets. In the current spectrum, we can still find ways to share with the users that have the spectrum allocated. Currently, we are conducting sharing studies with the NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration) in the 5470 to 5725MHz area.

You're talking about breaking the gigabit barrier. How fast do you think Wi-Fi transmission rates can reasonably become by the year 2005?

By 2005, I estimate that we reach over the 100mbps speed. IEEE 802.11 currently has a study group that is looking into asking for a project authorisation.

What's realistic? Once we reach that level, do you think that it will change the way we work and communicate using technology?

We would have much more visual information and animation in our daily tasks and answers to questions. We would get an explanation of how to mount a part in an assembly. Or the warehouse picker, the one that picks up and collects devices in a warehouse, would rather see the device he has to pick up on a screen than have to look for a part number.

What industries that don't use wireless will incorporate it into their next class of devices?

It is likely they will be integrated into home-automation and energy-control systems, letting users know how to use sun or wind energy at the best time, how to bake the best apple pie or rinse laundry using the least amount of detergent.

What sorts of devices do you think will include wireless capability that you don't currently find using the technology?

Anything that needs communications or control will be wirelessly connected--from your freezer to the TV, from the light switch to the most sophisticated laptop. Wireless will be ubiquitous.

Is it just a matter of smaller, faster, cheaper--or will there be something on a breakthrough level?

For one thing, making the devices smaller, faster and cheaper will enable a breakthrough by itself.

Like what?

Spectrum is the most scarce resource. We need more than there is (currently) available. What is available has already been given out to multiple users and services. To make the use of the spectrum more efficient, and yet share it with other users, will be the most important achievement.

You say wireless technology will get built into anything that needs communications for control. But considering where we are today, that sounds like a huge undertaking. How long do you think this will take and what will be needed to make it happen?

It will depend on whether the entrepreneurs see a market in it.

Won't that always be the case, or is there something standing in the way of what could potentially become a huge industry?

Sure. In this case, the turning point will depend on price versus savings, or ease of use and installing the control devices. I am looking backward, say, around 1970. There was a huge difference between an office machine and a computer, a chip and a computer, a PBX (telephone network equipment) and a computer. I saw the differences fading away.

Computers are now the main engines in office equipment like copiers. A computer on a chip is the reality and a PBX is a special-purpose computer. You will see computers entering into (kitchen) ranges, into the internal heating and cooling, and the climate control. All will have wireless communications for control. Where the breakthrough would be is unknown to me.

When you say wireless will be everywhere, do you mean that literally--for instance, the capability will get built into wristwatches?

Again, that is just a matter of which entrepreneur will develop which market.

Will this likely come from the entrepreneurial community or will it be something that established industries, for instance, watchmakers will clasp onto?

Established industries could very well be the entrepreneurs in this case. They hold the know-how of the market and the channels. And they need to be innovative to keep market share. There seems to be no limit to the kind of device that can be wireless. Does the world need a wireless washing machine? There are limits, but even a washing machine can be integrated in a domestic energy-control program to balance the energy used when available and when most effective.

When you were developing what became Wi-Fi, how large were your ambitions. What was your realistic expectation?

I personally wanted to have it everywhere.

Does Wi-Fi have a boundary?

A study group was just set up in 802.11 (standards committee) for going beyond 100 megabits. There's still some research to see how to further use the frequencies and radios. It would either need a bigger, more powerful cell (radio) or lots of little ones. We're not very keen on making a big cell, which has lots of frequency needs. We'd rather have smaller cells, which don't use as much frequency. You have to create additional frequency out of nothing, like reusing the frequency.

Why do it?

People are speed-hungry. If you see what is possible nowadays with streaming video, then you really need it. Streaming needs to go beyond 11mbps to be successful. There are more applications that are bit-rate hungry.

Hotspot (Wi-Fi)

A hotspot is a site that offers Internet access over a wireless local area network through the use of a router connected to a link to an Internet service provider. Hotspots typically use Wi-Fi technology for the wireless network. Hotspots may be found in coffee shops and various other public establishments throughout much of North America and Europe.

History

Public access wireless local area networks (LANs) were first proposed by Brett Stewart at the NetWorld+Interop conference in The Moscone Center in San Francisco in August 1993. Stewart did not use the term hotspot but referred to publicly accessible wireless LANs. Stewart went on to found the companies PLANCOM in 1994 (for Public LAN Communications, which became MobileStar and then the HotSpot unit of T-Mobile USA) and Wayport in 1996.

The term HotSpot may have first been advanced by Nokia about five years after Stewart first proposed the concept.[citation needed]

During the dot-com period in 2000, dozens of companies had the notion that Wi-Fi could become the payphone for broadband. The original notion was that users would pay for broadband access at hotspots.

Both paid and free hotspots continue to grow. Wireless networks that cover entire cities, such as municipal broadband have mushroomed. WiFi hotspots can be found in remote RV / Campground Parks across the US.

Many business models have emerged for hotspots. The final structure of the hotspot marketplace will ultimately have to consider the intellectual property rights of the early movers; portfolios of more than 1,000 allowed and pending patent claims are held by some of these parties.

Uses

The public can use a laptop, Wi-Fi phone, or other suitable portable device to access the wireless connection (usually Wi-Fi) provided. Of the estimated 150 million laptops, 14 million PDAs, and other emerging Wi-Fi devices sold per year for the last few years, most include the Wi-Fi feature.

For venues that have broadband Internet access, offering wireless access is as simple as purchasing one AP, in conjunction with a router and connecting the AP to the Internet connection. A single wireless router combining these functions may suffice.

Locations

Hotspots are often found at restaurants, train stations, airports, military bases, libraries, hotels, hospitals, coffee shops, bookstores, fuel stations, department stores, supermarkets, RV parks and campgrounds, public pay phones, and other public places. Many universities and schools have wireless networks in their campus.

Types

Free Wi-Fi hotspots

Free hotspots operate in two ways:

* Using an open public network is the easiest way to create a free HotSpot. All that is needed is a Wi-Fi router. Private users of wireless routers can turn off their authentication requirements, thus opening their connection, intentionally or not, for sharing by anyone in range. The disadvantage is that access to the router cannot be controlled.

* Closed public networks use a HotSpot Management System to control the HotSpot. This software runs on the router itself or an external computer. With this software, operators can authorize only specific users to access the Internet, and they often associate the free access to a menu or to a purchase limit. Operators are also now able to limit each user's available bandwidth - each user is therefore restricted to a certain speed to ensure that everyone gets a good quality service. Often this is done through Service Level Agreements.

Commercial hotspots

A commercial hotspot may feature:

* A captive portal / Login Screen that users are redirected to for authentication and payment
* A payment option using credit card, PayPal, iPass, or other payment service
* A walled garden feature that allows free access to certain sites
* Service_oriented_provisioning to allow for improved revenue

Many services provide payment services to hotspot providers, for a monthly fee or commission from the end-user income. ZoneCD is a Linux distribution that provides payment services for hotspots who wish to deploy their own service.

Hotspots that intend to offer both for fee and free internet access may want to look at Amazingports and their implementation of Service_oriented_provisioning

Major airports and business hotels are more likely to charge for service. Most hotels provide free service to guests; and increasingly small airports and airline lounges offer free service.

Roaming services are expanding among major hotspot service providers. With roaming service the users of a commercial provider can have access to other provider's hotspots with extra fees, in which such a user will be usually charged on the basis of access-per-minute. Roaming agreements can be hard to negotiate with larger providers such a Boingo, so smaller hotspots usually use an aggregator such as www.gowifi.com to access these networks.

FON is a European company that allows users to share their wireless broadband and sells excess bandwidth to outside users (Aliens). Since this may breach users terms of service, FON has agreements with many broadband providers / ISPs.

Security concerns

Some hotspots authenticate users. This does not secure the data transmission or prevent packet sniffers from allowing people to see traffic on the network.

Some vendors offer virtual private network (VPN) as a security option. This solution is expensive to scale

Also, it may still not be secure as only the connection between user and network is shielded, and the network itself is not.

Some vendors provide a download option that deploys WPA support. This conflicts with enterprise configurations at large enterprises that have solutions specific to their internal WLAN.

A "poisoned/rogue hotspot" refers to a free public hotspot set up by identity thieves or other malicious individuals for the purpose of "sniffing" the data sent by the user. Such identity thieves will have access to the MAC address of the connecting terminal, which individually identifies the hardware. By examining packets sent, they may attempt to decipher passwords, login names, or other sensitive information.

Wireless network

Wireless network refers to any type of computer network that is wireless, and is commonly associated with a telecommunications network whose interconnections between nodes are implemented without the use of wires.Wireless telecommunications networks are generally implemented with some type of remote information transmission system that uses electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves, for the carrier and this implementation usually takes place at the physical level or "layer" of the network.

Types of wireless connections

Wireless PAN

Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs) interconnect devices within a relatively small area, generally within reach of a person. For example, Bluetooth provides a WPAN for interconnecting a headset to a laptop. ZigBee also supports WPAN applications. Wi-Fi PANs are also getting popular as vendors have started integrating Wi-Fi in variety of consumer electronic devices. Intel My WiFi and Windows 7 virtual Wi-Fi capabilities have made Wi-Fi PANs simpler and easier to set up and configure.

Wireless LAN

* Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is increasingly used as a synonym for 802.11 WLANs, although it is technically a
certification of interoperability between 802.11 devices.
* Fixed Wireless Data: This implements point to point links between computers or networks at
two locations, often using dedicated microwave or laser beams over line of sight paths. It is
often used in cities to connect networks in two or more buildings without physically wiring the
buildings together.

Wireless MAN

Wireless Metropolitan area networks are a type of wireless network that connects several Wireless LANs.

* WiMAX is the term used to refer to wireless MANs and is covered in IEEE 802.16d/802.16e.

Wireless WAN

Wireless Wide Area Networks are wireless networks that typically cover large outdoor areas. These networks can be used to connect branch offices of business or as a public internet access system. They are usually deployed on the 2.4 GHz band. A typical system is as per the one deployed by Gaiacom Wireless Networks contains base station gateways, access points and wireless bridging relays. Other configurations are mesh systems where each access point acts as a relay also. When combined with renewable energy systems such as photo-voltaic solar panels or wind systems they can be stand alone systems.

Mobile devices networks

With the development of smart phones, cellular telephone networks routinely carry data in addition to telephone conversations:

* Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM): The GSM network is divided into three major systems: the switching system, the base station system, and the operation and support system. The cell phone connects to the base system station which then connects to the operation and support station; it then connects to the switching station where the call is transferred to where it needs to go. GSM is the most common standard and is used for a majority of cell phones.

* Personal Communications Service (PCS): PCS is a radio band that can be used by mobile phones in North America and South Asia. Sprint happened to be the first service to set up a PCS.

* D-AMPS: Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service, an upgraded version of AMPS, is being phased out due to advancement in technology. The newer GSM networks are replacing the older system. See also mobile telecommunications.

Uses

Wireless networks have had a significant impact on the world as far back as World War II. Through the use of wireless networks, information could be sent overseas or behind enemy lines easily, efficiently and more reliably. Since then, wireless networks have continued to develop and their uses have grown significantly. Cellular phones are part of huge wireless network systems. People use these phones daily to communicate with one another. Sending information overseas is possible through wireless network systems using satellites and other signals to communicate across the world. Emergency services such as the police department utilize wireless networks to communicate important information quickly. People and businesses use wireless networks to send and share data quickly whether it be in a small office building or across the world.

Another important use for wireless networks is as an inexpensive and rapid way to be connected to the Internet in countries and regions where the telecom infrastructure is poor or there is a lack of resources, as in most developing countries.

Compatibility issues also arise when dealing with wireless networks. Different components not made by the same company may not work together, or might require extra work to fix these issues. Wireless networks are typically slower than those that are directly connected through an Ethernet cable.

A wireless network is more vulnerable, because anyone can try to break into a network broadcasting a signal. Many networks offer WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy - security systems which have been found to be vulnerable to intrusion. Though WEP does block some intruders, the security problems have caused some businesses to stick with wired networks until security can be improved. Another type of security for wireless networks is WPA - Wi-Fi Protected Access. WPA provides more security to wireless networks than a WEP security set up. The use of firewalls will help with security breaches which can help to fix security problems in some wireless networks that are more vulnerable.

Environmental concerns and health hazard

In recent times, there have been increased concerns about the safety of wireless communications, despite little evidence of health risks so far. The president of Lakehead University refused to agree to installation of a wireless network citing a California Public Utilities Commission study which said that the possible risk of tumors and other diseases due to exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) needs to be further investigated.

NETWORKING CABLING

What is Network Cabling?

Cable is the medium through which information usually moves from one network device to another. There are several types of cable which are commonly used with LANs. In some cases, a network will utilize only one type of cable, other networks will use a variety of cable types. The type of cable chosen for a network is related to the network's topology, protocol, and size. Understanding the characteristics of different types of cable and how they relate to other aspects of a network is necessary for the development of a successful network.

The following sections discuss the types of cables used in networks and other related topics.

* Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable
* Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable
* Coaxial Cable
* Fiber Optic Cable
* Cable Installation Guides
* Wireless LANs

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable

Twisted pair cabling comes in two varieties: shielded and unshielded. Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) is the most popular and is generally the best option for school networks (See fig. 1).

Fig.1. Unshielded twisted pair

The quality of UTP may vary from telephone-grade wire to extremely high-speed cable. The cable has four pairs of wires inside the jacket. Each pair is twisted with a different num ber of twists per inch to help eliminate interference from adjacent pairs and other electrical devices. The tighter the twisting, the higher the supported transmission rate and the greater the cost per foot. The EIA/TIA (Electronic Industry Association/Telecommunication Industry Association) has established standard s of UTP and rated six categories of wire (additional categories are emerging).

Categories of Unshielded Twisted Pair

Unshielded Twisted Pair Connector

The standard connector for unshielded twisted pair cabling is an RJ-45 connector. This is a plastic connector that looks like a large telephone-style connector (See fig. 2). A slot allows the RJ-45 to be inserted only one way. RJ stands for Registered Jack, implying that the connector follows a standard borrowed from the telephone industry. This standard designates which wire goes with each pin inside the connector.

Fig. 2. RJ-45 connector

Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable

Although UTP cable is the least expensive cable, it may be susceptible to radio and electrical frequency interference (it should not be too close to electric motors, fluorescent lights, etc.). If you must place cable in environments with lots of potential interference, or if you must place cable in extremely sensitive environments that may be susceptible to the electrical current in the UTP, shielded twisted pair may be the solution. Shielded cables can also help to extend the maximum distance of the cables.

Shielded twisted pair cable is available in three different configurations:

1. Each pair of wires is individually shielded with foil.
2. There is a foil or braid shield inside the jacket covering all wires (as a group).
3. There is a shield around each individual pair, as we ll as around the entire group of wires (referred to as double shield twisted pair).

Coaxial Cable

Coaxial cabling has a single copper conductor at its center. A plastic layer provides insulation between the center conductor and a braided metal shield (See fig. 3). The metal shield helps to block any outside interference from

Fig. 3. Coaxial cable

Although coaxial cabling is difficult to install, it is highly resistant to signal interference. In addition, it can support greater cable lengths between network devices than twisted pair cable. The two types of coaxial

Thin coaxial cable is also referred to as thinnet. 10Base2 refers to the specifications for thin coaxial cable carrying Ethernet signals. The 2 refers to the approximate maximum segment length being 200 meters. In actual fact the maximum segment length is 185 meters. Thin coaxial cable has been popular in Thick coaxial cable is also referred to as thicknet. 10Base5 refers to the specifications for thick coaxial cable carrying Ethernet signals. The 5 refers to the maximum segment length being 500 meters. Thick coaxial cable has an extra protective plastic cover that helps keep moisture away from the center conductor. This makes thick coaxial a great choice when running longer lengths in a linear bus network. One disadvantage of thick coaxial is that it does

Coaxial Cable Connectors

The most common type of connector used with coaxial cables is the Bayone-Neill-Concelman (BNC) connector (See fig. 4). Different types of adapters are available for BNC connectors, including a T-connector, barrel connector, and terminator. Connectors on the cable are the weakest points in any network. To help avoid problems with your network, always use the BNC connectors that crimp, rather

Fig. 4. BNC connector

Fiber Optic Cable

Fiber optic cabling consists of a center glass core surrounded by several layers of protective materials (See fig. 5). It transmits light rather than electronic signals eliminating the problem of electrical interference. This makes it ideal for certain environments that contain a large amount of electrical interference. It has also made it the standard for connecting networks between

Fiber optic cable has the ability to transmit signals over much longer distances than coaxial and twisted pair. It also has the capability to carry information at vastly greater speeds. This capacity broadens communication possibilities to include services such as video conferencing and interactive services. The cost of fiber optic cabling is comparable to copper cabling; however, it is

The center core of fiber cables is made from glass or plastic fibers (see fig 5). A plastic coating then cushions the fiber center, and kevlar fibers help to strengthen the cables and prevent breakage. The outer insulating jacket made of teflon or PVC.

Fig. 5. Fiber optic cable

There are two common types of fiber cables -- single mode and multimode. Multimode cable has a larger diameter; however, both cables provide high bandwidth at high speeds. Single mode can provide more distance, but it is more expensive.

Ethernet Cable Summary

Know Your Wireless Network Adapter

So that the computer can be connected by a network or network, means the computer will need a special tool. Special tool designed to modify, send, and receive data to and from the network. This tool is commonly called a Network Adapter.

How about a wireless network or wireless network? Same. So that the computer can capture, identify, transmit, and receive data to and from the network without wires aka wireless network, means a computer needs a wireless network adapter.

Well, if you want your computer can detect, then join the existing wireless networks around, it means you need a wireless network adapter. In the wireless adapter, there is a transmitter that serves to transmit radio signals, and receiver which receives the waves or signals.

If by chance your laptop already has built-in wireless adapter, and you feel quite satisfied with the capabilities it possesses, then you probably do not need to buy a new wireless adapter. But, if by chance your laptop or computer memilkinya yet, then you need to buy it.

Out there, there are many kinds, types, brands, and the form of wireless adapters. Capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, and quality also vary. To seek and find the most appropriate wireless adapter with the desire, then you first need to recognize other forms of wireless adapters.

Forms Wireless Adapter

Wireless adapters are generally placed in one of the port input / output (I / O port) on your computer. For example, in expansion card slot, or in-socket embedded on the motherboard, or on a PCMCIA socket, or also on the USB socket. Where and how the wireless card is issued, depending on the shape.

Of course, each form of wireless adapters have advantages and disadvantages. To find out where the most appropriate form for you, probably will depend also on the type of computer you use.

For example, wireless adapater shaped PC Card is usually best suited for laptops. Medium USB adapter, usually most convenient to your Desktop. But, of course it does not have to. You're still free to choose the form of a wireless adapter that you want. As long as your computer provides the necessary slots.

Internal adapters

Almost all new laptops have a module output on the mini-PC wireless adapter Cardnya. This module is in place it directly on the motherboard. An antenna, as well as in included with him. The aim, among others, to add convenience and comfort at laptop users.

With a wireless adapter that attached directly on the motherboard, so laptop users do not have to bother carrying it along with the laptop wireless adapter. This is also in order to minimize the risk of losing the wireless adapter. For example you forgot, or left behind. The disadvantage?

Just one, because the adapter is attached on the motherboard, making the adapter can not be lifted and moved. To what moved? For example when I want to use the wireless adapter on your laptop or another desktop.

Laptops that include a wireless adapter module in the motherboard, generally include a button to turn on and turn off this function. Use, among others, to maintain security and save battere. Well, if it turns your laptop has an internal adapter, try to find the button, and use.

If you're not want to use wireless, then it should function is turned off. That's to prevent your computer is not infiltrated by people via the wireless network. Also to save battere. Also Do not forget to turn it on again, as you want to access wireless networks.

PC Cards

Although mu latop has no internal wireless adapter, you do not have to be sad and disappointed. You still can detect and access the wireless network with your laptop, by way of buying a wireless adapter in the form of PC Cards. Then place them on a PCMCIA card slot.

What about brand choices? Do not worry, nearly all of the Wireless equipment manufacturers produce this type of adapter. In addition to the practical shape, weight is not too burdensome. Which one, two it was a factor in the desire by most laptop users.

How about battere? Is when not in use, the PC Cards seboros Internal Adapter?

Nope, experts say that when not in use, the PC Cards are not seboros Internal Adapter.

But for the sake of saving, of course you can remove it when not in use.

According to the info, the PC Cards are divided into two types. The first type is called Original Standard. Referred to as PCMCIA type older models, because they still use the data transfer speed 16-bit, and it only supports 802.11b wireless networking standard. This type is found on the old laptop output.

As for the second type, has a transfer speed 32 bit, because it already supports CardBus features. This type of PC Cards capable of detecting and accessing 802.11a/g/n wireless networking standard. Laptops are produced in the 1990s and above, supports PC Cards usually have this type.

As for laptops in 2006 or more output, usually capable of using both types of PC Cards earlier. Laptops latest output, generally using a special slot called ExpressCard. Physically, the slot of this type uses a different card types, and is not compatible with the two types above.

USB Adapters

For now, the wireless adapter in place on the USB slot is probably the best alternative to access wireless networks. Why? Because, almost all computer output in 1999 and above, either a laptop or desktop, would have been equipped with a USB slot.

This type of wireless adapter, both which were placed directly, or another connected with the cable, generally also been equipped with a built-in antenna. In addition, its small and lightweight, making it impractical to be moved or taken together with the computer.


This wireless USB adapter, comes with a variety of shapes and sizes. Dimilkipun capabilities and features vary. Of the most simple, to the futuristic.

That is partly because each manufacturer has their own philosophy and target market. Starting from the general user, techno-phobia, until techno mania.

And, because antennanya larger and easier to manipulate, you can expect better performance than the internal adapters.

Besides adapter that is shaped like the picture 2, there is also a USB adapter that looks very similar to the Flash Drive or Flash Disk.

Because the shape and smaller size, the USB adapter of this type generally have a transmitter and a receiver with a lower capability than PC Cards, or USB adapters are shown in Figure 2.

That of course would affect its ability in terms of capturing and sending wireless signals. This type of USB adapters often fail to detect and capture the signal. As a result, communication via wireless is often disconnected.


Expansion Cards For Desktop Computers

This type of wireless adapter, shaped similar to what cards other expansion. For example sound or video card. Placement mode is the same. Namely in the insert contained in a special slot on the motherboard. Consider the image below. This is one example of the type of wireless adapter cards expansion.

Although looks different, but many types of these adapters are actually the same adapter in place on the PCMCIA slots, and then add expansion cards that fit with slots on the motherboard.

If by chance you're buying this type adapter with a built-in antenna, meaning you do not need to look for an external antenna with a connector that fits. But if it turns out there is no bulit-in antenna?

Means you should look for an external antenna connectors that fit. Yep, indeed troublesome. Apart from still having to deal with the cable mengabel, several other problems also often encountered. For example, the signal is lost or disrupted by a computer casing, or other device located in the vicinity.

With all the difficulties, it does not mean that this type of adapter can not work properly. Adapter type is still capable of working equally well with other types of adapters. Especially if you master the things associated with wireless technology. Example of what often become bullies signal, etc.

But if you do not want to bother, the Wireless USB adapter may be more appropriate for you.

Wireless network buying guide

Right network

With so many possible ways to build a network, it pays to home in on the solution that best suits your needs before you buy. These user profiles will start you off in the right direction.

Basic Home Network

You can get ample bandwidth for sharing a broadband Internet connection without spending much. In most cases, even the slowest existing wireless gear is faster than the speed at which a cable or DSL modem connects to the Internet.

It's getting more and more common that the service provider would provide you with a simple wireless router that also works as a broadband modem. Nonetheless, here is the break down of what you will need if you don't already have anything at all.

Note that a lot of new computer, especially laptops and Netbooks, already have a wireless adapter built-in. For those that don't, the fastest way to add wireless capability to them is via a USB adapter. There are also internal PCI add-in wireless card for desktops that you can get. However, installing them would require opening the computer.

This is the cheapest setup. A lot of time, if the provider gives you a free modem/wireless router combo, this might not even cost you anything at all. If the service provider gives you only a modem, only a basic wireless router is needed. Examples of these routers are the Linksys WRT160N, the Netgear WNDR2000, the D-Link DIR-615 or the TP-Link TL-WR741ND.

Home Office Network

If you use your home as an office, you need a faster router (both wired and wireless speeds) with good security features. An office generally has more data travel around within the local network and therefore a router with Gigabit Ethernet capability is a must. This is the wired connection that caps at 1000Mbps. It should also have Wireless-N (802.11n) instead of the Wireless-G that caps at only 54Mbps. Wireless-N genrally offers speed up to 300Mbps, (though going forward they will offer even faster wireless speed). The router should also offer advance networking features that allows for accessing your local network securely from the Internet. Examples of these features, depending on what you need varies from Port Forwarding, Firewall and (Virtual Private Network capability.)

Some existing business routers don't have the built-in wireless functionality. In this case you can add a wireless access point to the router to make the network wireless capable. Make sure you get a Wireless-N (802.11n) access point. With network with lots of complicated settings, this is a faster way than replacing the existing router with a wireless one.

Sharing printer and files between network computers are common tasks. There are many routers that have built-in print serving capability, such as the Linksys WRT610n, or the Apple Airport Extreme Base Station. With this type of routers, you can plug a USB printer to them and the printer will be available to all computers in the network. It's best, however, that you get a printer that has built-in network capability. Most new printers, both laser and inkjet, have the networking option. Some of them even have built-in wireless networking option.

The simplest and also the most affordable way to share data between network computers is via a Network Attached Storage (NAS) server. A NAS server is much like a regular server minus the monitor, mouse and keyboard. In recent years, NAS server have gotten so advanced that apart from being a centralized storage device for file sharing, media streaming and backups, some of them can also be used as a print server, surveillance station, FPT server and so on. Most NAS servers also offer the ability to be accessible remotely via the Internet. Examples of best NAS server for small business and home office environments are the Synology DS209+, the QNAP TS239 Pro , or the HP MediaSmart EX495.

Online Gaming and Home Entertainment

For most online gamers, a Basic Home Network would do the job just fine. However, game consoles, like the Xbox 360 or the PlayStation 3, can do a lot more than just games. They are frequently used as a TV Set Top boxes that play streamed media from a NAS server or a computer in the network. And you want a fast network when it comes to streaming high definition contents, especially when you want to stream to multiple clients.

If you connect your streaming clients to the network via cable, make sure you have a Gigabit router. Even if the Set Top boxes don't support Gigabit Ethernet, this helps when more than one clients stream digital content from the same source.

If you connect clients via wireless connections, other than using a Gigabit Wireless-N router, there's an option of using a true dual-band routers. A true dual-band router can support Wireless-N in both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz frequencies. As the 2.4Ghz frequency is shared with other home appliances such as Bluetooth devices and cordless phone, the 5Ghz frequency devices tend to offer better throughput. To take advantage of the 5Ghz frequency, both the router and the client have to support this band. In reality however, if you live in a neighborhood where there are not of wireless access points, you will do just fine with a single band 2.4Ghz Wireless-N router.

You can always turn a game console (or any Ethernet-ready network devices) into wireless by using a wireless bridge (also known as wireless gaming adapter). A bridge connect to a device via the Ethernet port, much like a USB wireless adapter connects to a computer (and add wireless functionality to it) via a USB port.

It doesn't matter how great your goods are, it's always good to spice up your business with free Internet Access. The good news is it doesn't cost much for this. You just need a good Wireless-N router that offers along range and the Guest Networking feature. Guest Networking is especially helpful in case you want to use the same router for your local office and keep it secure. The feature (also known as Guest Zone) allows for creating a separate wireless network that allows access to the Internet but block access to your local resources such as your computers or printers. Guest Networking also has the option of blocking wireless clients from "seeing" one another, meaning a person with bad intention can't hack into other devices that connect to your Guess Zone.

There are many routers on the market that offer Guest networking. Examples are D-Link DIR 855, D-Link DIR-825, or Linksys WRT610n, or Apple Airport Extreme Base Station.

Hot Spot provider

You don't need to be a rocket scientist to connect two or more houses wirelessly or to share an Internet connection with an entire building or neighborhood. Whether your objectives are philanthropic or commercial, building a hot spot can be done for less than the cost of a high-end notebook.

Powerline Network Adapter

The firm offered a variety of HomePlug-based Ethernet-to-Power line communication products:

PLTE200 – Powerline Network Adapter
PLTS200 – Powerline 4-Port Network Adapter
PLTK300 – Powerline Network Kit
PLE300 – Powerline AV Network Adapter
PLS300 – Powerline AV 4-Port Network Adapter
PLK300 – Powerline AV Network Kit

Wireless Home Audio

Network Attached Storage

NSLU2 : The NSLU2 is a network attached storage device with 8 MB of flash memory, 32MB of SDRAM, a 100Mb Ethernet port, and two USB ports. The NSLU2 was discontinued in 2008, but is still in demand because of the numerous enhancements developed by open-source community projects.

Network Media Hub

The Media Hub 300 and 400 series are network attached storage devices that allow users to share digital media across a network. Once the Media Hub is connected to the network, it searches for media content residing within the network and aggregates it into one centralized location, including all UPnP devices found. The Built-in Media Reader can directly import photos from compact Flash devices, SD cards and memory sticks without the need of a computer. Memory capacity options are 500GB or 1TB, with an extra empty bay.

The Media Hub's GUI gives a holistic view of the media located on the network regardless of where the actual file is located. Albums are consolidated, artwork, track numbers, and other metadata are downloaded, and all information can be sorted by a variety of different criteria. Included is Automated Backup Software that helps preserve the data through continuous storage backup.

LinkSys ADSL modem AM300 backside showing ethernet, USB, and phone line ports.

USB Wireless

WUSB54G series of USB wireless adapters use the Ralink RT2500 chipset. They support the 802.11b and 802.11g wireless network standards, and have Open Source drivers available for Linux. Drivers are also available for use on Macintosh systems. Only the Version 4 contains the Ralink chipset. Modification of the driver to work with Macintosh was discovered by Kramer2k.

LinkSys ADSL modem AM300

WAG200G has a 211MHz AR7 MIPS32 CPU with 4 MB of flash memory and 16MB of DRam on the PCB. The WAG200G measures 5.5×5.5×1.25 inches (14×14×3.2 cm) (W×H×D) and weighs .77 pounds (.35 kg). The WAG200G all-in-one device functions as a high speed ADSL2+ Modem, a Wireless G Access Point, router and 4-port Ethernet switch. The built-in wireless Access Point function complies with the specifications of the 802.11g standard, which offers transfer speeds of up to 54 Mbit/s.

It is also backwards compatible with 802.11b devices at speeds of 11 Mbit/s. The Access Point can support the connection of up to 32 wireless devices. It also offers 4 built-in 10/100 RJ-45 ports to connect Ethernet-enabled computers, print servers and other devices

Wireless network interface card

A wireless network interface controller (WNIC) is a network card which connects to a radio-based computer network, unlike a regular network interface controller (NIC) which connects to a wire-based network such as token ring or ethernet. A WNIC, just like a NIC, works on the Layer 1 and Layer 2 of the OSI Model. A WNIC is an essential component for wireless desktop computer. This card uses an antenna to communicate through microwaves. A WNIC in a desktop computer usually is connected using the PCI bus. Other connectivity options are USB and PC card. Integrated WNICs are also available, (typically in Mini PCI/PCI Express Mini Card form).

Modes of operation

Infrastructure mode

In an infrastructure mode network the WNIC needs an access point: all data is transferred using the access point as the central hub. All wireless nodes in an infrastructure mode network connect to an access point. All nodes connecting to the access point must have the same service set identifier (SSID) as the access point, and if the access point is enabled with WEP they must have the same WEP key or other authentication parameters.

Ad-hoc mode

In an ad-hoc mode network the WNIC does not require an access point, but rather can directly interface with all other wireless nodes directly. All the nodes in an ad-hoc network must have the same channel and SSID.

Specifications

WNICs are designed around the IEEE 802.11 standard which sets out low-level specifications for how all wireless networks operate. Earlier interface controllers are usually only compatible with earlier variants of the standard, while newer cards support both current and old standards.

Specifications commonly used in marketing materials for WNICs include:

* Wireless data transfer rates (measured in Mbit/s); these range from 2 Mbit/s to 54 Mbit/s.[4]
* Wireless transmit power (measured in dBm)
* Wireless network standards (may include standards such as 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, etc.) 802.11g offers data transfer speeds equivalent to 802.11a – up to 54 Mbit/s – and the wider 300-foot (91 m) range of 802.11b, and is backward compatible with 802.11b.

Range

Wireless range may be substantially affected by objects in the way of the signal and by the quality of the antenna. Large electrical appliances, such as a refrigerators, fuse boxes, metal plumbing, and air conditioning units can impede a wireless network signal. The theoretical maximum range is only reached under ideal circumstances and true effective range is typically about half of the theoretical range.[4] Specifically, the maximum throughput speed is only achieved at extremely close range (less than 25 feet (7.6 m) or so); at the outer reaches of a device's effective range, speed may decrease to around 1 Mbit/s before it drops out altogether. The reason is that wireless devices dynamically negotiate the top speed at which they can communicate without dropping too many data packets.