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WIRELESS FIDELITY (Wi-Fi) WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF WIRELESS

INTRODUCTION• Wireless Technology is an alternative to Wired

Technology, which is commonly used, for connecting devices in wireless mode.

• Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a generic term that refers to the IEEE 802.11 communications standard for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs).

• Wi-Fi is a commonly used wireless network in computer systems to enable connection to the internet or other machines that have Wi-Fi functionalities

Wi-Fi works on physical and data link layer.

Purpose Of Wi-FiHide complexity Make access to information easier Ensure compatibility and co-existence of

devices Eliminate cabling and wiring Eliminate switches, adapters, plugs, pins

and connectors

The Wi-Fi TechnologyWi-Fi Networks use Radio Technologies to

transmit & receive data at high speed:

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

How a Wi-Fi Network Works• Basic concept is same as Walkie talkies.

• A Wi-Fi hotspot is created by installing an access point to an internet connection.

• An access point acts as a base station.

• When Wi-Fi enabled device encounters a hotspot the device can then connect to that network wirelessly.

• A single access point can support up to 30 users and can function within a range of 100 up to 300 feet.

• Many access points can be connected to each other via Ethernet cables to create a single large network.

Elements of a WI-FI Network• Access Point (AP) - The AP is a wireless LAN

transceiver or “base station” that can connect one or many wireless devices simultaneously to the Internet.

• Wi-Fi cards - They accept the wireless signal and relay information.They can be internal and external.(e.g PCMCIA Card for Laptop and PCI Card for Desktop PC)

• Safeguards - Firewalls and anti-virus software protect networks from uninvited users and keep information secure.

Wi-Fi Network Topologies• AP-based topology (Infrastructure Mode)

• Peer-to-peer topology (Ad-hoc Mode)

• Point-to-multipoint bridge topology

Two Modes to Choose From

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Wi-Fi can be implemented in an…

Ad-hoc or Independent Basic Service Set

Infrastructure or Basic Service Set

Wi-Fi and SecuritySecurity is an issue

because:Adoption was the goalAccess points are

usually behind firewallExisting security

measures are “inadequate”

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Advantages• Mobility• Ease of Installation• Flexibility• Cost• Reliability• Security• Use unlicensed part of the radio spectrum• Roaming• Speed

Wi-Fi Applications• Home• Small Businesses or SOHO• Large Corporations & Campuses• Health Care• Wireless ISP (WISP)• Travellers

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CONCLUSION

Questions

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THANK YOU!

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