HSSN Assignment

Group Assignment

Module code: CT024-3-2-HSSN2

Module Name: Hardware, Software Systems and Networks II

Hand in Date: 18 Oct 2012

Lecturer Name: DR. MA'EN TAYSEER EKRAYEM ALRASHD

Intake: UC2F1201SE

1

Name ID

Ling Chung Ming TP020369

Tan Chun Wei TP019608

Yap Yan Heng TP020452

Table of Contents

Work Breakdown Structure........................................................................................................3

Introduction................................................................................................................................4

Device........................................................................................................................................5

Description of the Wireless Router........................................................................................5

Core Components of Wireless Router....................................................................................6

Strengths of Wireless Router..................................................................................................8

Weakness of Wireless Router.................................................................................................9

Technology...............................................................................................................................10

Description of the Wireless LAN.........................................................................................10

Core Components of Wireless LAN.....................................................................................11

Strengths of Wireless LAN..................................................................................................13

Weakness of Wireless LAN.................................................................................................14

Protocol....................................................................................................................................15

Description of the Wireless Router......................................................................................15

Core Components of Wireless Router..................................................................................16

Strengths of Wireless Router................................................................................................17

Weakness of Wireless Router...............................................................................................18

Relationship of device, technology and protocol to network management and/or security....19

Conclusion................................................................................................................................20

Reference..................................................................................................................................21

Appendix..................................................................................................................................23

2

Hardware, Software Systems and Networks II

Work Breakdown Structure

Work Description Ling Chung Ming

Tan Chun Wei

Yap Yan Heng

1 Introduction

2 Device:

- Description of the Wireless Router

- Core Components of Wireless Router

- Strengths of Wireless Router

- Weakness of Wireless Router

3 Technology:

- Description of the Wireless LAN

- Core Components of Wireless LAN

- Strengths of Wireless LAN

- Weakness of Wireless LAN

4 Protocol:

- Description of the

- Core Components of

- Strengths of

- Weakness of

5 Relationship of device, technology and protocol to network management and/or security

6 Conclusions

7 References

3ASIA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION


Introduction

In this report, we are given a task to conduct a research on any protocol, device and

technology that could be used to enhance the management and/or security in the network.

After that, we need to recommend a product that consists of a combination of the research on

protocol, device and technology. Overall, the complete report will contain description, core

component, strength and weaknesses of the protocol, devices and technology. In addition,

those necessary software and hardware will also be explained among the operation of

network management that will apply. Besides it, we also have to decide to use the suitable

programming language translator application and multimedia tool to create full demonstration

of how the selected product works in relation to network management.

Based on the scenario above, we have selected wireless router as the device, wireless

LAN as the technology and TCP as the protocol. At the end of the research, we would like to

recommend a product on based on the selected protocol, devices and technology in the

relationship of device, technology and protocol to network management and/or security in the

following report.



Device

Description of the Wireless Router

Wireless router is a device with wireless local area network (WLAN); it is a new gen

of router to replace the wired router. Wireless router is a combination of router, switch and

Wi-Fi access point in a box, there are three functions combine together so wireless router

become very common in now days. Wired router is becoming less and less common and now

mostly users would choose wireless router because it is convenience for smart phone, laptop

and any device can connect with wireless.

A wireless router is a used to direct local traffic on a network, perform the task of

receiving and forwarding data, all devices needed to connect with wireless router, it transfer

data from device to device through the router. Wireless router is effective sharing the network

or internet to multiple devices in same time unlike wired router has limited connector and fix

area. Besides, wireless router has flexible connection area and without those messy cables

running all the way around house or office. Example, user has a single internet connection in

an office but there multiple users needing to access internet connection. Wireless router

emerge is to solve the problem of multiple access internet connection. Wireless router will

receive the internet connection and split it to multiple users, each user will have their own

connection separate to one another.

In addition, wireless router can also act as a hardware firewall, the use of a router

provides superior protection against hacking because the IP addresses of individual computer

will directly exposed to Internet. (Margaret Rouse, 2005) The latest wireless router has those

specifications such as 4 port switch, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0), 2.4GHz, 300Mbps of data

transfer rate, 1 WAN port, Hi-Speed USB and so on.



Core Components of Wireless Router

Wireless Router has comprises a number of core components, it is to support the

router to have multi functions. Those components are Ethernet ports, WI-FI access point,

USB port and power adapter. About an Ethernet port is network equipment that allows

Ethernet cables plug into the port and connect multi devices in a local area network. Ethernet

port is plugged in by RJ-45 connector cable. Mostly computer has one built-in Ethernet port;

it is for the computers to able connect to another device in local area network. What is an

Ethernet? Ethernet is a physical and data link layer technology for local area network.

(Bradley Mitchell, 2012) At early before, the data rate of Ethernet transfer only supported 10

megabits per second (Mbps) however now Gigabit Ethernet technology supported up to 1000

megabits per second (Mbps). The limited length of an Ethernet cable is around 100 meters,

but it can be extends by using network bridge devices. In a local area network (LAN),

Ethernet cables can connect to multiple devices and transfer data through Ethernet cables.

Example, a small organization need a local area network to connect all devices together. The

network will need a router with Ethernet ports and all devices would connect with an

Ethernet cable. Each of the Ethernet cable will plug into the devices Ethernet port and another

end of Ethernet connectors will plug into router. Normally a normal router has only limited 4

Ethernet ports, if organization have more than 4 devices, it need a switch to extend the

Ethernet port slots. Whole organization devices will transfer data through router to another

connected device.

Besides that, wireless access points are specially configured nodes on wireless local

area network (WLAN). Access points act as a central transmitter and receiver of WLAN

radio signals. (Bradley Mitchell, 2012) Wireless access points will transit signal in a limited

area for those devices that able to connect WI-FI to access the network. Mostly router will

built-in WI-FI access point because it is convenient for those devices without an Ethernet port

and also can connect more than 4 devices in everywhere which has the signal. Wireless gives

users the identical ability as wired users to send and receive data over the networks. Wireless

access points can also transmit the internet connection for users, generally transmit is in small

area, the signal will become weak if the device far away from the wireless access point.



USB ports in a wireless router which can be connect to printer or a flash disk. Plug in

printer USB to wireless router can allow all connected devices send data to printer to print

however it is depends on router model; some router model USB port is not work with printer.

About flash disk that directly plug in to the router USB port itself allowing any devices

connected users to instantly access the data on the flash disk. Besides, power adapter is the

main stuff to make the router power turn on and start running. Power adapter is controls the

specific output voltage to the device. Mostly wireless router is support 12V power source, if

input more than 12V will easily burn the circuit board.



Strengths of Wireless Router

Wireless router strengths are about the advantages of the router. There have some

strength on having a wireless router. Wireless routers have combined modem, switch and

wireless access points in a router. It is equal of one price can get 3 devices. Based on this few

years, each family at least will have more than 2 devices such as smart phone, laptop, and

desktop inside the house. Therefore, wireless router is very important in current life because

smart phone is without any Ethernet port on it, smart phone is only rely wireless to access to

Internet. Wireless router can be connected from anywhere in the wireless signal area, users

can surf the internet even in the toilet.

Some of the wireless router is built-in firewall to ward off intruders, it can protect

against hacking into local area network through WI-FI. It is very important and useful for

those users who not familiar on computer or network, it can ensure users data or privacy will

not be hack and exposed to anyone. Besides of that, wireless router can also set password on

wireless access, setting password is to refuse other unauthorized connect the WI-FI.

Additionally, user’s doesn’t have to worry about those messy wires group together

and cause a lot of dusts on that area. By using those traditional wired router, users require to

connect the cable from one room to another room if the router is far away from the user’s

device. This traditional wired router will cause user wasting money to buy external long

wired to connect another room device and also wasting time to place those wired in the

corner side. Technology is constantly upgrading, it will bring a lot of convenience to the

people.



Weakness of Wireless Router

Everything has merits and demerits, even wireless router also the same. The weakness

of wireless router will be slightly slower than wired connection, because wireless transmits

data through the air and it will be slightly interfered by other walls, doors, waves from

surrounding and devices farther move away from the router, the weaker of the connection

signal will receive.

The transmit data speed of wireless signals will also drop as more users connect the

same frequency. Sometimes WI-FI will over congestion users unable connect it, especially in

a full of people restaurant with provide WI-FI service. The wireless router is difficult to

maintain, once the wireless is not working or unable to connect, users might have to buy

another new wireless router to replace it.

Furthermore, cost of wireless router will be more expensive than a traditional wired

router due to the wireless router technology. The wireless router price might be the double up

of the traditional wired router. About the security part, banks or investigation agencies will

not transferred data by using wireless router because it will be an opportunity for people to

hack it so those banks or investigation agencies would not take the unwanted risk. They

would only transferred data using wired router to ensure safety, unless the wired has been cut

off and connect to other device.

In addition, the often use of smart phone connect wireless signals is dangerous to the

health of human beings. Wireless signals can pose several of health problems such as

memory loss, cancer and so on. That’s why now human being life become shorter than last

time and many of people will get cancer in middle age even children. The technology in

world keep increase, the risk of human being healthy will also increase.



Technology

Description of the Wireless LAN

A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a local area network that doesn't rely on the

wired Ethernet connections. Wireless Local Area Networks can offer a high-speed

connectivity with freedom from cables and dial-up connections. A WLAN can be either an

extension to a current wired network or an alternative to it.

Wi-Fi is short form for "Wireless Fidelity". Wi-Fi is a wireless local area network that

enables portable computing devices to connect easily to the Internet. Wi-Fi is one of the most

popular wireless communication standards on the market. Wireless technology is helped to

simplify networking by enabling multiple computer users to share the resources such as

broadband Internet connection, network printers or data files in a home or business without

additional wiring. The device that can use Wi-Fi such as a video game consoles, digital

cameras, and GPS devices can connect to a network resource such as the Internet via a

wireless network access point. A laptop users have the freedom to get connection anywhere

in the office building or home without having to plug in a connector cable. (Crutchfield,

2012)

Wi-Fi has a security history. The common types of security use in the WI-Fi are WEP

and WPA. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) Encryption is a standard used to encrypt

wireless transmissions to protect the data in transit. WEP provides users with secure

connections in a WLAN environment. It must be manually enabled by user in the first time in

the Wireless Access Point and client network adapter to ensure encrypted transmissions. In

the early encryption system, the WEP is proved easy to break. (Crutchfield, 2012) A improve

quality protocols was WPA and WPA2 were added later to enhance the security of the Wi-Fi

connection.

Wireless LAN is using of the IEEE standards such as IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b,

or IEEE 802.11g. The 802.11 specifications were developed specifically for Wireless Local

Area Network by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers). Wireless LAN

can have data transfer speeds up to 54Mbps. (Crutchfield, 2012)



Core Components of Wireless LAN

Wireless LAN consist of components similar to a traditional wired LAN, The big

difference is that wireless LAN don't require wires. A Wireless LAN is a grouping of

computers and peripheral devices that share a common communications. A Wireless LAN

allows users to connect to the LAN wirelessly via radio transmission.

The following are the most common components of a Wireless LAN.

PCI Adapter

There are various types of Wireless LAN adapters which to enable a PC or notebook

to communicate on a wireless LAN. Some types of network adapters include wireless PCI

network adapters which are built into a desktop PC; wireless PC card network adapters which

used on a notebook PC and wireless USB network adapters which used as external adapters

for desktop or notebook PCs.

Access Point

The access point is a device that links a wireless network to a wired LAN to connect

to the internet. An access point can be a standalone hardware device or a computer with a

wireless network adapter and appropriate software. Wireless access points are available for

IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n. It allows connectivity between the wireless

client or wireless device and the wired network to increases the effective range of a wireless

network and provides additional network management and security features. Access points

are useful for larger networks for adding wireless capability to an existing wired network.

The distance between access point and network switch must be within 100 meters standard

with Ethernet design. (Etutorials, 2012)



Wireless Router

A router transfers packets between networks. The router chooses the next best link to

send packets on to get closer to the destination. Routers use Internet Protocol (IP) packet

headers and routing tables, as well as internal protocols, to determine the best path for each

packet. A wireless router is a network device that routes IP traffic across several wireless IP

networks and wired networks. It is used for sharing a single Internet connection to across the

multiple computers. It can be used in the home or office where multiple computers and

devices can be online at the same time with only a single Internet connection. (Etutorials,

2012)

Wi-Fi standard

The Wireless LAN technology is defined by the IEEE 802.11 family of specifications

such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n. All of them use the Ethernet protocol for

path sharing. 802.11n was the newest Wi-Fi standard introduced in 2009. It is very now

common and widely use on routers and laptops. 802.11n can operate at both 2.4GHz and 5

GHz and it supports multi-channel usage. Each channel offers a maximum data rate of 150

megabits per second, which means the maximum data rate of the standard is 600 megabits per

second. (Jahanzeb Farooq, 2006)

Wireless Security Protocols

Security is important on Wi-Fi wireless networks to prevent uninvited guests from

connecting to your wireless network. Wireless security protocols encrypt the user data

information as it is being transmitted over the airwaves. There are some wireless security

protocols developed to protect wireless networks such as WEP, WPA, and WPA2. WEP

(Wired Equivalent Privacy) is the original wireless security standard for Wi-Fi and is still

commonly used on home computer networks. WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) is a security

enhance over WEP. There is two type of WPA which are WPA-Personal is designed for

home networking while WPA-Enterprise is designed for corporate networks. WPA2 is an

improved version of WPA supported by all newer Wi-Fi equipment. The users should secure

their wireless network using the options in their adapter and access point with strong

passphrase. (Bradley Mitchell, 2012)



Strengths of Wireless LAN

The wireless LAN has been wide use in home and office. The benefits of wireless

LAN are include to reduced the installation cost, to provide better security encryption

connection, mobility, easy to establish setup and high speed data transfer rate.

(Technologytobusiness, 2012)

Reduced Installation Cost

The implementation of wireless networks may cost savings when performing

installations in difficult to wire areas. Wi-Fi can reduce the cost to build local area networks

and the spaces where cables cannot be link such as outdoor area. Wi-Fi network is good for

long term cost benefits while the users are frequent move and changes.

Encryption connection

Wi-Fi is using security protocol to encrypt the connection. Wi-Fi Protected

Access encryption (WPA2) is considered secure, provided a strong password to protect

unauthorised the access.

Mobility

The users are no need to prepare any cable to link their devices. Example like music

players uses Wi-Fi technology to streaming the music to speakers or shares the music file to

another computer in same network. With a wireless network, multiple computers can all print

from just one printer without needing any extra cable connections.

Easy setup

Wireless network connections are always on which means the user can connect to the

Internet as soon as possible. Wi-Fi networks don’t need complication installation, it just

connect to the network by enter the password. It greatly reduces the need for cable

installation, making the network available for use much easy.

Data transfer speed

802.11n is currently the fastest available Wi-Fi protocol on the market. It can handle

the demands of streaming high-definition TV signals and a CD-quality audio over the

internet.



Weakness of Wireless LAN

There are some weaknesses that must be addressed in Wi-Fi such as security issue; the signal

may Interference with other devices, limited range connectivity and high electricity

consumption. (Technologytobusiness, 2012)

Security concerns

The Wi-Fi is very easy to set up but securing the Wi-Fi network requires a bit more

effort. Unfortunately, wireless security doesn't automatically configure itself, so it's important

to remember to enable it via a personal computer once a connection to the wireless network

has been established. Example like a Wi-Fi access points do not come with

encryption straight out of the box, the user have to manually set it in computer once the

network is up and running. An unsecured wireless network is easily attacks from hackers,

they may access to all of the information stored by user. In addition, an unauthorized

computer will also be able to connect to your network, sharing the bandwidth and overall

network performance will goes down.

Interference from other devices

If the user is using the Wi-Fi near other devices such as microwave ovens or cordless

phones, the resulting conflicts between devices and networks tend to slow down the user’s

Wi-Fi device. The wireless network can also be a source of interference. Some newer routers

automatically select the channel with the least amount of interference, ensuring that the users

are getting the best possible connection.

Connectivity

Wireless LAN networks have limited range. A typical Wi-Fi home router might have

a range of 100m. Ranges may also vary as Wi-Fi is no exception to the physics of radio wave

propagation with frequency band.



Protocol

Description of the Wireless Router



Core Components of Wireless Router



Strengths of Wireless Router



Weakness of Wireless Router



Relationship of device, technology and protocol to network

management and/or security



Conclusion

To conclude this report, the product that we recommended is suitable use in CCTV

system. It allows user to easily control and monitor through the camera at the selected

location by CCTV system.



Reference

Margaret Rouse, 2012. “Wireless router”, Retrieved from website:

http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/wireless-router [Accessed on 5 Oct

2012]

Cnet, 2012. “Belkin N+ Wireless Router”, Retrieved from website:

http://reviews.cnet.com/routers/belkin-n-wireless-router/4507-3319_7-33361546.html

[Accessed on 5 Oct 2012]

Bradley Mitchell, 2012. “Ethernet”, Retrieved from website:

http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/ethernet1/g/bldef_ethernet.htm [Accessed on 5 Oct

2012]

Orbit, 2012. “Wireless router”, Retrieved from website: http://www.orbit-computer-

solutions.com/Wireless-Routers.php [Accessed on 5 Oct 2012]

Serialrouter, 2012. “Wireless Router”, Retrieved from website:

http://www.serialrouter.com/basics/wireless-router.html [Accessed on 5 Oct 2012]

Freewimaxinfo, 2012. “Disadvantages of Wireless Networks”, Retrieved from website:

http://www.freewimaxinfo.com/disadvantages-of-wireless-networks.html [Accessed on 5 Oct

2012]

Etutorials, 2012. “Wireless LAN Components”, Retrieved from website:

http://etutorials.org/Networking/wn/Chapter+5.+Wireless+LANs+Networks+for+Buildings+

and+Campuses/Wireless+LAN+Components/ [Accessed on 10 Oct 2012]

Jahanzeb Farooq, 2006. “An Overview of Wireless LAN Standards IEEE 802.11 and IEEE

802.11e”, Department of Computing Science Umea University Sweden [Accessed on 10 Oct

2012]

Bradley Mitchell, 2012. “Introduction to Wi-Fi Network Security”, Retrieved from website:

http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wirelesssecurity/a/introduction-to-wifi-network-

security.htm [Accessed on 10 Oct 2012]



Crutchfield, 2012. “Introduction to Wi-Fi”, Retrieved from website:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-WC0T2KS2uwI/learn/learningcenter/home/wifi.html

[Accessed on 10 Oct 2012]

Technologytobusiness, 2012. “Wireless LANs Advantages and Disadvantages”, Retrieved

from website: http://technologytobusiness.wordpress.com/2011/03/03/wireless-lans-

advantages-and-disadvantages/ [Accessed on 10 Oct 2012]


http://technologytobusiness.wordpress.com/2011/03/03/wireless-lans-advantages-and-disadvantages/

http://technologytobusiness.wordpress.com/2011/03/03/wireless-lans-advantages-and-disadvantages/


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