INDIAN INSTITUTEOF

MANAGEMENT TRAINING

A PROJECT REPORT

ON

“STUDY OF WI-FI NETWORK”

WITH THE RFFERENCE

OF

DYNAMIC LOGISTICS PVT. LTD.2007

SUBMITTED TO THE: SUBMITTED BY:SANJAY SINGH

(IIMT PUNE)

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF:MR. SHREESH PATWARDHAN (VP IT)

MR. ASHUTOSH KESKAR (SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR)DYNAMIC LOGISTICS PVT. LTD., PUNE

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I wish to acknowledge my specific indebt ness to director “INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT TRAINING”, who made this opportunity to perform summer training as a part of MBA Course.

I wish to extend my Sincere Gratitude towards “Mr. SHREESH PATWARDHAN” (Vice President DYNAMIC LOGISTICS PVT. LTD. PUNE) for accepting me as a summer trainee and assigning this project to me.

I am extremely grateful to Mr. ASHUTOSH KESKAR for their valuable guidance and best possible help during project.

I am extremely grateful to Mrs. Bonisha for their valuable guidance and best possible help during course of study.

I am deeply grateful to my parent’s who have given me every help and moral support and their constant advice which enabled me to pursue my academic aim.

Thanks to other summer trainees for their co-operation and suggestions through out this project.

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PREFACE

“Learning categorizes you and practicing on that learning specializes

you”.

Theoretical concepts taught and discussed in the classroom prove

useful if they have to remain relevant. Practice orientation of

management student is must generating competence to deal with

issues at grass root level it is for this reason that one month training

project study is prescribed as apart of syllabus for MDA in IASE

University.

This training is the mode of imparting practical training to the student.

The objective is to provide a deep insight into practical aspects of the

functioning of the organization. The trainer apprises the student to the

actual function, responsibility and problem faced by an organization. It

provides him with the knowledge of the various kind of problem that

crop up in the day to day functioning of the organization .The way they

are solved by the departments and appraisal of the crucial decision

taken by the manager at the crucial time.

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I was fortunate enough to complete my training at DYNAMIC LOGISTICS

PVT. LTD. This has given me an altogether new experience, which

would be immense help to me in my days to come.

INDEX1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5

2. INTRODUCTION 6

a. COMPANY HISTORY

b. MISSION

c. VISSION

3. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY 12

4. INTRODUCTION OF WIRELESS NETWORK 13

a. WHAT IS WIRELESS NETWORK 14

b. TYPE OF WIRELESS NETWORK 15

c. HISTORY 16

d. ADVANTAGE AND DISADVANTAGE 17

e. USES OF WIRELESS NETWORK 19

f. NEED OF WIRELESS NETWORK 20

5. FEASIBILITY STUDY 22

6. WI-FI 24

a. MEANING OF THE TERM WI-FI 25

b. USES OF WI-FI ` 26

c. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGE 27

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d. MANUFACTERER OF WI-FI DEVICES 30

7. DIFFERENT TYPE OF WIRELESS NETWORKS & THERE LIMITATION. 39

8. TYPE OF WIRELESS NETWORK EQUIPMENT 45

9. WIRELESS STANDERED 51

10. TYPES OF WIRELESS ROUTER AND ACCESS POINTS 56

11. OPPORTUNITY AND CHALLENGES 81

12. CONCLUTION 82

13. PERSONAL COMPUTER MANAGEMENT & INDEXING 84

14. QUESTIONS RELATED TO WI-FI NETWORK. 91

15. BIBLOGRAPHY 105

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Project on Study of WI-FI Network Carried at Dynamic Logistics Pvt. Ltd. Pune. ()

Project Title : Study of WI-FI Network

Place : Pune

Duration : 3 Months

Guided By : Mr. Shreesh Patwardhan (VP IT)Mr. Ashutosh Keskar (System Administrator)Dynamic Logistics Pvt. Ltd. Pune.

UNDERTAKEN BY:

SANJAY SINGH MASTER IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT TRAINING, PUNE

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INTRODUCTION

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DYNAMIC LOGISTICS PVT. LTDPune- Alandi road, Dighi,

Pune.

Dynamic Logistics Pvt Ltd is an ICD company. Talera group set up this

company in 1983. ICD dighi is a one branch of this company. ICD dighi, pune

operational since October 1998.Starting modestly as a simple warehousing company,

today it is recognized as the pioneering giant that role of third party logistics (3PL)

services in the country. Dynamic logistics provides a vast array of services to various

brand established clients in multi-location. By providing the expertise with inventory and

distribution management, which extend to over 600destination in India and abroad, it has

catapulted as the industry leader in 3PL services. It is the first ISO-9002 complaint

logistics provider in India and has upgraded the standard to the current ISO-9001 –2000.

The company’s corporate office and operation base is in pune, India, a city

which is well connected by road, rail & air is ideally located near all major industrial

hubs which seek the specialized services, & is also in proximity to the port city Mumbai

which facilitates the exim trade. The 3PL services in pune are currently operated from

three centers, and the company is also represented for very esteemed and established

clients in chennai, Indore, and Aurangabad. Besides the logistics services, the company

also operates in pune the inland container depot or the dry-port facility with custom

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bonded warehouses and the provision for clearings ship and air cargo which is boon to

hinterland based importers and exporters. With an enviable growth record since

inception, Dynamic logistics is poised to take on the huge BPO demand headlong and

redefined the logic of logistics in India.

INFRASTRUCTURE

78000 sq.ft of bonded warehouses

22000 sq.ft import warehouse

17000 sq.ft export warehouse

30000 sq.ft open bonded area

1000 TEUs container yard

60 ton weighbridge/45 ton cranes

FACILITIES

Single window clearance

Panel of 62 transporters

39 airlines represented

28 shipping line represented

All draw back schemes with TRAs

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Communication and IT support

Buffer yard-No charges

Reefer charging point

Bank of Maharashtra, Vishrantwadi special timing 13:00 to 16:30 hours

for the payment of customs duty.

CLIENTS OF ICD DIGHI

Parag milk& milk product

Kimberly Clarke lever

Hindustan Antibiotics

Kinetic engineering

Bajaj Tempo

Tata International

Finolex

Sandoval Asia

Praj Industries

Thermos

Thyssenkrupp Industries

Vishay Components

Cummins India

Kirlosker Copeland

Fleet guard Filters

Spaco Carburators

Bajaj Auto

Roj Enterprises

Shigote Foods

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Weikfield

EXIM LOGISTICS

The inland container department Dighi, Pune is well-connected dry port by road and rail

to the gateway port of Nhava sheva international container terminal and Mumbai. it is

located 15 kms. From pune on pune-alandi highway & 5 km. From pimpri chinch wad

industrial area. it is also in close to the industrial belts of pune like hadapsar, chaken,

hinjewadi,ranjangaon,urse,phursungi and pirangilt

OPERATIONAL AREA IN ICD.

1. Gate Complex-Regulates the entry and exits of road vehicles carring cargo and

containers thro the terminals. It is place where documentation, security and container

inspect procedure are undertaken.

2.Container Yard-occupies the largest area in the India is shaking area where the export

to dispatch to port, import containers are stored till custom clearance and where empties a

weight onward movement like wise some stacking areas are earmarked for keeping

special containers such as refrigerated, hazardous, overweight/over length etc.

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3.Warehouse- A covered space/shades where export cargo is received and import cargo

stored/delivered, containers are consolidated and import less than container load are

unpacked and cargo is physically examined by customs, export and import consignment

are generally handled either at separate areas in a warehouse or different nominated

warehouse.

MISSION

To enable our clients to significantly improve their performance capability and to be

proactive by managing change, providing them with world class, cost effective and

highly efficient enabled logistic service.

VISSION

To be the preferred business partner to organization striving for dramatic improvements

in performance.

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OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

MAJOR

“To Study of Wi-Fi Network and Established the Wi-Fi Network Connection in the Organization.”

MINOR

1. To Study of Wireless Network and Wireless network devices.

2. To Study about Personal computer management (system

management) according to the user needs and there configuration.

3. To indexing the Computer Hardware devices according to their high

configuration to low configuration.

4. To Study the backup policy of the computer system.

5. To Study the different type of servers.

6. To Study the virus protection system.

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INTRODUCTION

TO

WIRELESS NETWORK

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WIRELESS NETWORK

While the term wireless network may technically be used to refer to any type of network that is wireless, the term is most commonly used to refer to a telecommunications network whose interconnections between nodes is implemented without the use of wires, such as a computer network (which is a type of communications network). 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 NETWORK

Wireless LAN

One type of wireless network is a WLAN or Wireless Local Area Network. Similar to other wireless devices, it uses radio instead of wires to transmit data back and forth between computers on the same network.

Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)

The GSM network is divided into three major systems which are the switching system, the base station system, and the operation and support system (Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)). 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 where it needs to go (Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)). This is used for cellular phones, is the most common standard and is used for a majority of cellular providers.

Personal Communications Service (PCS)

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PCS is a radio band that can be used by mobile phones in North America. Sprint happened to be the first service to set up a PCS.

D-AMPS

D-AMPS, which stands for Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service, is an upgraded version of AMPS but it is being phased out due to advancement in technology. The newer GSM networks are replacing the older system.

Wi-Fi Wi-Fi is a commonly used wireless network in computer systems which enable connection to the internet or other machines that have Wi-Fi functionalities. Wi-Fi networks broadcast radio waves that can be picked up by Wi-Fi receivers that are attached to different computers. Fixed Wireless Data

Fixed wireless data is a type of wireless data network that can be used to connect two or more buildings together in order to extend or share the network bandwidth without physically wiring the buildings together.

Wireless LAN

The notebook is connected to the 54 MBit WLAN PCI Card (802.11g) Wireless access point using a PC Card wireless card.

A wireless LAN or WLAN is a wireless local area network, which is the linking of two or more computers without using wires. WLAN utilizes spread-spectrum or OFDM (802.11a) modulation technology based on radio waves to enable communication between devices in a limited area, also known as the basic service set. This gives users

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the mobility to move around within a broad coverage area and still be connected to the network.

For the home user, wireless has become popular due to ease of installation, and location freedom with the gaining popularity of laptops. Public businesses such as coffee shops or malls have begun to offer wireless access to their customers; some are even provided as a free service. Large wireless network projects are being put up in many major cities.

History

In 1970 University of Hawaii, under the leadership of Norman Abramson, developed the world’s first computer communication network using low-cost ham-like radios, named ALOHAnet. The bi-directional star topology of the system included seven computers deployed over four islands to communicate with the central computer on the Oahu Island without using phone lines.

"In 1979, F.R. Gfeller and U. Bapst published a paper in the IEEE Proceedings reporting an experimental wireless local area network using diffused infrared communications. Shortly thereafter, in 1980, P. Ferrert reported on an experimental application of a single code spread spectrum radio for wireless terminal communications in the IEEE National Telecommunications Conference. In 1984, a comparison between Infrared and CDMA spread spectrum communications for wireless office information networks was published by [ Kaveh Pahlavan ] in IEEE Computer Networking Symposium which appeared later in the IEEE Communication Society Magazine. In May 1985, the efforts of Marcus led the FCC to announce experimental ISM bands for commercial application of spread spectrum technology. Later on, M. Kavehrad reported on an experimental wireless PBX system using code division multiple access. These efforts prompted significant industrial activities in the development of a new generation of wireless local area networks and it updated several old discussions in the portable and mobile radio industry.

The first generation of wireless data modems was developed in the early 1980's by amateur communication groups. They added a voice band data communication modem, with data rates below 9600 bit/s, to an existing short distance radio system such as a walkie talkie. The second generation of wireless modems was developed immediately after the FCC announcement in the experimental bands for non-military use of the spread spectrum technology. These modems provided data rates on the order of hundreds of kbit/s. The third generation of wireless modem aimed at compatibility with the existing LANs with data rates on the order of Mbit/s. Several companies [developed] the third generation products with data rates above 1 Mbit/s and a couple of products [had] already been announced [by the time of the first IEEE Workshop on Wireless LANs].

"The first of the IEEE Workshops on Wireless LAN was held in 1991. At that time early wireless LAN products had just appeared in the market and the IEEE 802.11 committee

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had just started its activities to develop a standard for wireless LANs. The focus of that first workshop was evaluation of the alternative technologies. the technology [was] relatively mature, a variety of applications [had] been identified and addressed and technologies that enable these applications [were] well understood. Chip sets aimed at wireless LAN implementations and applications, a key enabling technology for rapid market growth, [were] emerging in the market. Wireless LANs [were being] used in hospitals, stock exchanges, and other in building and campus settings for nomadic access, point-to-point LAN bridges, ad-hoc networking, and even larger applications through internetworking.

Advantage of Wireless Network

The popularity of wireless LANs is a testament primarily to their convenience, cost efficiency, and ease of integration with other networks and network components. The majority of computers sold to consumers today come pre-equipped with all necessary wireless LAN technology.

The benefits of wireless LANs include:

Convenience: The wireless nature of such networks allows users to access network resources from nearly any convenient location within their primary networking environment (home or office). With the increasing saturation of laptop-style computers, this is particularly relevant.

Mobility: With the emergence of public wireless networks, users can access the internet even outside their normal work environment. Most chain coffee shops, for example, offer their customers a wireless connection to the internet at little or no cost.

Productivity: Users connected to a wireless network can maintain a nearly constant affiliation with their desired network as they move from place to place. For a business, this implies that an employee can potentially be more productive as his or her work can be accomplished from any convenient location.

Deployment: Initial setup of an infrastructure-based wireless network requires little more than a single access point. Wired networks, on the other hand, have the additional cost and complexity of actual physical cables being run to numerous locations (which can even be impossible for hard-to-reach locations within a building).

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Expandability: Wireless networks can serve a suddenly-increased number of clients with the existing equipment. In a wired network, additional clients would require additional wiring.

Cost: Wireless networking hardware is at worst a modest increase from wired counterparts. This potentially increased cost is almost always more than outweighed by the savings in cost and labor associated to running physical cables.

Disadvantages of Wireless Network

Wireless LAN technology, while replete with the conveniences and advantages described above, has its share of downfalls. For a given networking situation, wireless LANs may not be desirable for a number of reasons. Most of these have to do with the inherent limitations of the technology.

Security: Wireless LAN transceivers are designed to serve computers throughout a structure with uninterrupted service using radio frequencies. Because of space and cost, the antennas typically present on wireless networking cards in the end computers are generally relatively poor.

Range: The typical range of a common 802.11g network with standard equipment is on the order of tens of meters. While sufficient for a typical home, it will be insufficient in a larger structure. To obtain additional range, repeaters or additional access points will have to be purchased. Costs for these items can add up quickly. Other technologies are in the development phase, however, which feature increased range, hoping to render this disadvantage irrelevant.

Reliability: Like any radio frequency transmission, wireless networking signals are subject to a wide variety of interference, as well as complex propagation effects (such as multipath, or especially in this case Rician fading) that are beyond the control of the network administrator. In the case of typical networks, modulation is achieved by complicated forms of phase-shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), making interference and propagation effects all the more disturbing. As a result, important network resources such as servers are rarely connected wirelessly.

Speed: The speed on most wireless networks (typically 1-108 Mbit/s) is reasonably slow compared to the slowest common wired networks (100 Mbit/s up to several Gbit/s). There are also performance issues caused by TCP and its built-in congestion avoidance. For most users, however, this observation is irrelevant

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since the speed bottleneck is not in the wireless routing but rather in the outside network connectivity itself. For example, the maximum ADSL throughput (usually 8 Mbit/s or less) offered by telecommunications companies to general-purpose customers is already far slower than the slowest wireless network to which it is typically connected. That is to say, in most environments, a wireless network running at its slowest speed is still faster than the internet connection serving it in the first place. However, in specialized environments, the throughput of a wired network might be necessary. Newer standards such as 802.11n are addressing this limitation and will support peak throughputs in the range of 100-200 Mbit/s.

Uses of wireless network

Wireless networks have significantly impacted the world as far back as World War II. With the use of wireless networks, information could be sent overseas or behind enemy lines easily and quickly and was more reliable. Since then wireless networks have continued to develop and its uses have significantly grown. Cellular phones are part of huge wireless network systems. People use these phones daily to communicate with one another. Sending information over seas is only possible through wireless network systems using satellites and other signals to communicate across the world otherwise getting information 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, like most Developing Countries.

Wireless networks allow you to eliminate messy cables. Wireless connections offer more mobility, the downside is there can sometimes be interference that might block the radio signals from passing through. One way to avoid this is by putting the source of your wireless connection in a place where the signal will have as little interference as possible. Sometimes nearby networks are using the same frequencies, this can also cause interference within the network and can reduce its performance.

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 compatibility issues. To avoid this, purchase products made by the same company so that there are fewer compatibility issues.

Wireless networks, in terms of internet connections, are typically slower than those that are directly connected through an Ethernet cable. Though the speed is slower, most things will still move at the same speed except for things like video downloads. Though wireless

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technology continues to develop, it is now easier to get networks up and running cheaper and faster than ever before.

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.

Need of Wireless Network

Personally, I could probably come up with more than 5 wireless network reasons, but these are the most important ones.

I believe that wireless networks represent one of the most significant inventions in human history - almost as important as sliced bread. Now, seriously, bread is certainly easy enough to cut yourself, but try to wire up a network and you will think of this invention in a different way. Just to make the whole picture clearer for you, let me give you five reasons why using a wireless network is definitely worth it.

Share Internet Access

With wireless networking, you can easily and cheaply share one single Internet connection among different computers, without having to use more modems. If that wasn't enough, you can even include new computers in your network only by using a wireless card and switching them on to have an immediate Internet connection! Not many wired networks would be able to do that.

Share Files and Printers

A wireless network guarantees access to your files regardless of where you are within your house, and with a home computer it also facilitates the synchronization of data on a laptop. Using wireless networks makes it so much simpler to send files between computers as compared to the traditional emails or CDs.

Moreover, if your printer is connected, you can write your documents anywhere you want and finally print them through a printer connected to another computer. In other words, a printer plugged into one of the computers on the network is available to all the computers saving you the expense of having multiple printers at home.

Play Games

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As might have already seen, games have often the option to play over a LAN. As previously mentioned, wireless networks are LANs, meaning that people can play together without having to be physically near each other. Isn't it more exciting to play with your family and friends instead of unknown people on the Internet and be able to make the whole game work much faster? Actually, you can even ask your friends to bring their own computers in and join a thrilling 'LAN party'!

With wireless networking you can easily connect any games you wish to play to the Internet, and start playing online. Playing online with a wirelessly connected to Xbox or PlayStation 2 is definitely simpler than having to use your modem for connection all the time.

Always On

What made the spread of broadband possible was that it let Internet connections be constantly on, eliminating the need of dialing in all the time. With wireless networking, network connections are always on, so that every time you wish, any of your computers is able to connect to the Internet!

Regardless of where you take your laptops to within your home, they will have instant access! Moreover, wireless networks offer you the convenience of eliminating usernames and password systems, as they operate without logging in. Talk about convenience!

No More Wires

Being able to eliminate wires from running all over your house is probably the biggest reason why you should turn your network to wireless. Believe me, you will be so pleased when you get rid of problematic, costly, ugly and unsafe wires.

Although the average Ethernet wire doesn't cost much, once you've bought the necessary quantity to do what you need to do, but getting everything you need for a wired LAN it adds up quickly. Plus, whenever you wish to have wires running between rooms or floors, you are forced to have holes in the walls, which might not even possible if the house is not yours.

Many people living in rented apartments have to limit their network to a particular room until they finally decided to switch to wireless allowing them to even take their computers outside, if they wish to!

Using wireless networks also enables you to have more safety, as there is no danger of tripping over uncovered wires. Furthermore, if you are moving, you do not have to pack all the wires up and re-connect them again.

Finally, with wireless networks there's no need for you to check every single wire if your Internet connection doesn't work.

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Feasibility study

Needs Analysis

A needs analysis should be the first undertaking of a feasibility study as it clearly defines

the project outline and the clients requirements. Once these questions have been

answered the person/s undertaking the feasibility study will have outlined the project

needs definition. The following questions need to be asked to define the project needs

definition: What is the end deliverable? What purpose will it serve? What are the

environmental effects? What are the rules and regulations? What standards will we be

measured against? What are the quality requirements? What is the minimal quality

requirements allowed? What sustainability can we expect? What carry over work can we

expect? What are the penalty clauses? How much do we need to outsource? How much

do we need to insource?

Economic feasibility study

The new system will involve new technology and instruments. The cost of setting up one

wireless router or wireless access point would approximately cost to about three thousand

to four thousand. The company should get a branded router. The training cost and

maintenance can also include.

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This involves questions such as whether the firm can afford to build the system, whether

its benefits should substantially exceed its costs, and whether the project has higher

priority and profits than other projects that might use the same resources. This also

includes whether the project is in the condition to fulfill all the eligibility criteria and the

responsibility of both sides in case there are two parties involved in performing any

project.

Technical feasibility study

The new wi-fi network system is supported to all the LAN ,WAN ,MAN,and Internet,

Interanet network. Wireless network require wireless router or wireless accsess point the

quantity of the product is depend upon according to the no of system and the area covered

by wireless .since a lot of new tehnology is added in the system . This is same as LAN

network so employe have not need to tranning . and the maintinance of this system is

very less. Four or five system have required one wireless access point or router and this is

cover 200 sq. meter area. But if there are not any concreet wall. Because this type of

partation always week the signal so the range is not good.

Organizational Feasibility study

The old system required a lot of cables. This system is used for remove the cable wire

complixity in the network. This is better for laptops because laptop is movable and if this

is connect via cable so it is to difficult to move laptop one place to another place but wi-fi

network give facility to connect any where in the range. and there is not need of cable.

So the daily cabling plug in and plug out problem is solve.

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Wi-Fi

A wireless network uses radio waves, just like cell phones, televisions and radios do. In fact, communication across a wireless network is a lot like two-way radio communication. Here's what happens:

1. A computer's wireless adapter translates data into a radio signal and transmits it using an antenna.

2. A wireless router receives the signal and decodes it. It sends the information to the Internet using a physical, wired Ethernet connection.

The process also works in reverse, with the router receiving information from the Internet, translating it into a radio signal and sending it to the computer's wireless adapter.

The radios used for Wi-Fi communication are very similar to the radios used for walkie-talkies, cell phones and other devices. They can transmit and receive radio waves, and they can convert 1’s and 0’s into radio waves and convert the radio waves back into 1s and 0s. But Wi-Fi radios have a few notable differences from other radios:

They transmit at frequencies of 2.4 GHz or 5GHz. This frequency is considerably higher than the frequencies used for cell phones, walkie-talkies and televisions. The higher frequency allows the signal to carry more data.

They use 802.11 networking standards, which come in several flavors: o 802.11b was the first version to reach the marketplace. It's the slowest and

least expensive standard, and it's becoming less common as faster standards become less expensive. 802.11b transmits in the 2.4 GHz frequency band of the radio spectrum. It can handle up to 11 megabits of data per second, and it uses complimentary code keying (CCK) coding.

o 802.11g also transmits at 2.4 GHz, but it's a lot faster than 802.11b -- it can handle up to 54 megabits of data per second. 802.11g is faster because it uses orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), a more efficient coding technique.

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o 802.11a transmits at 5GHz and can move up to 54 megabits of data per second. It also and uses OFDM coding. Newer standards, like 802.11n, can be even faster than 802.11g. However, the 802.11n standard isn't yet final.

Wi-Fi radios can transmit on any of three frequency bands. Or, they can "frequency hop" rapidly between the different bands. Frequency hopping helps reduce interference and lets multiple devices use the same wireless connection simultaneously.

As long as they all have wireless adapters, several devices can use one router to connect to the Internet. This connection is convenient and virtually invisible, and it's fairly reliable. If the router fails or if too many people try to use high-bandwidth applications at the same time, however, users can experience interference or lose their connections.

Meaning of the term 'Wi-Fi'

Despite the similarity between the terms 'Wi-Fi' and 'Hi-Fi', statements reportedly made by Phil Belanger of the Wi-Fi Alliance contradict the popular conclusion that 'Wi-Fi' stands for 'Wireless Fidelity.'According to Mr. Belanger, the Interbrand Corporation developed the brand 'Wi-Fi' for the Wi-Fi Alliance to use to describe WLAN products that are based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. In Mr. Belanger's words, "Wi-Fi and the yin yang style logo were invented by Interbrand. We [the founding members of the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance, now called the Wi-Fi Alliance] hired Interbrand to come up with the name and logo that we could use for our interoperability seal and marketing efforts. We needed something that was a little catchier than 'IEEE 802.11b Direct Sequence'."

One possibility for the origin of the actual term is a simplified spelling of "Wi-Phy" or "Wireless Physical Network Layer".

The Wi-Fi Alliance themselves invoked the term 'Wireless Fidelity' with the marketing of a tag line, "The Standard for Wireless Fidelity," but later removed the tag from their marketing. The Wi-Fi Alliance now seems to discourage the propagation of the notion that 'Wi-Fi' stands for 'Wireless Fidelity', but it has been referred to as such by the Wi-Fi Alliance in White Papers currently held in their knowledge base:

"... a promising market for wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) network equipment."

"A Short History of WLANs... The association created the Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) logo to indicate that a product had been certified for interoperability."

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Technical information

Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11

Wi-Fi technology has gone through several generations since its inception in

1997.

Wi-Fi is supported to different extents under Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS

and various open source Unix-like systems.

USES OF WI-FI

Wi-Fi at home

Home Wi-Fi clients come in many shapes and sizes, from stationary PCs to digital cameras. The trend today is to incorporate wireless into every electronic where mobility is desired.

Wi-Fi devices in home or consumer-type environments connect in the following ways:

Via a broadband Internet connection into a single router which can serve both wired and wireless clients

Ad-hoc mode for client to client connections Built into non-computer devices to enable wireless connectivity to other devices

or the Internet

Wi-Fi in Business

Business and industrial Wi-Fi has taken off, with the trends in implementation varying greatly over the years. Current technology trends in the corporate wireless world are:

Dramatically increasing the number of Wi-Fi Access Points in an environment, in order to provide redundancy,support fast roaming and increasing overall network capacity by using more channels and/or creating smaller cells

Designing for wireless voice applications (VoWLAN or WVOIP) Moving toward 'thin' Access Points, with more of the network intelligence housed

in a centralized network appliance; relegating individual Access Points to be simply 'dumb' radios

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Outdoor applications utilizing true mesh topologies A proactive, self-managed network that functions as a security gateway, firewall,

DHCP server, intrusion detection system, and a myriad of other features not previously considered relevant to a wireless network.

Advantages of Wi-Fi

Allows LANs to be deployed without cabling for client devices, typically

reducing the costs of network deployment and expansion. Spaces where cables

cannot be run, such as outdoor areas and historical buildings, can host wireless

LANs.

Built into most modern laptops, getting a laptop without a built in WiFi has

become an exception.

Wi-Fi chipset pricing continues to come down, making Wi-Fi a very economical

networking option and driving inclusion of Wi-Fi in an ever-widening array of

devices.

Wi-Fi products are widely available in the market. Different competitive brands

of access points and client network interfaces are inter-operable at a basic level of

service. Products designated as Wi-Fi CERTIFIED by the Wi-Fi Alliance are

backwards inter-operable.

Wi-Fi is a global set of standards. Unlike cellular carriers, the same Wi-Fi client

works in different countries around the world.

Widely available in more than 250,000 public hot spots and tens of millions of

homes and corporate and university campuses worldwide.

As of 2007, WPA is not easily cracked if strong passwords are used and WPA2

encryption has no known weaknesses.

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New protocols for Quality of Service (WMM) and power saving mechanisms

(WMM Power Save) make Wi-Fi even more suitable for latency-sensitive

applications (such as voice and video) and small Form-Factor

Disadvantages of Wi-Fi

Spectrum assignments and operational limitations are not consistent worldwide;

most of Europe allows for an additional 2 channels beyond those permitted in the

US (1-13 vs 1-11); Japan has one more on top of that (1-14) - and some countries,

like Spain, prohibited use of the lower-numbered channels (note that Europe, as of

2007, is now essentially homogeneous in this respect). Furthermore some

countries, such as Italy, used to require a 'general authorization' for any Wi-Fi

used outside an operator's own premises, or require something akin to an operator

registration.

Equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) in the EU is limited to 20 dBm

(0.1 W).

Power consumption is fairly high compared to some other low bandwidth

standards (Zigbee and Bluetooth), making battery life a concern.

The most common wireless encryption standard, Wired Equivalent Privacy or

WEP, has been shown to be easily breakable even when correctly configured. Wi-

Fi Protected Access (WPA and WPA2) which began shipping in 2003 aims to

solve this problem and is now available on most products.

Wi-Fi Access Points typically default to an open (encryption-free) mode. Novice

users benefit from a zero configuration device that works out of the box but

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without security enabled providing open wireless access to their LAN. To turn

security on requires the user to configure the device, usually via a software GUI.

Many 2.4 GHz 802.11b and 802.11g Access points default to the same channel on

initial start up, contributing to congestion on certain channels. To change the

channel of operation for an access point requires the user to configure the device.

Wi-Fi networks have limited range. A typical Wi-Fi home router using 802.11b or

802.11g with a stock antenna might have a range of 45 m (150 ft) indoors and 90

m (300 ft) outdoors. Range also varies with frequency band. Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz

frequency block has slightly better range than Wi-Fi in the 5 GHz frequency

block. Outdoor range with improved antennas can be several kilometres or more

with line-of-sight.

Wi-Fi pollution, of an excessive number of an access point with other access

points in the area, especially on the same or neighboring channel, can prevent

access and interfere with the use of other access points by others caused by

overlapping channels in the 802.11g/b spectrum as well as with decreased signal-

to-noise ratio (SNR) between access points. This can be a problem in high-density

areas such as large apartment complexes or office buildings with many Wi-Fi

access points. Additionally, other devices use the 2.4 GHz band: microwave

ovens, cordless phones, baby monitors, security cameras, and Bluetooth devices

can cause significant additional interference.

It is also an issue when municipalities[3] or other large entities such as universities

seek to provide large area coverage. Everyone is considered equal for the base

standard without 802.11e/WMM when they use the band. This openness is also

important to the success and widespread use of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, but makes it

unsuitable for "must have" public service functions or where reliability is

required. Users sometimes suffer network "frustrations" or a total network

breakdown if gaming because a neighbour microwaves some pop corn.

Interoperability issues between brands or proprietary deviations from the standard

can disrupt connections or lower throughput speeds on other user's devices that

are within range. And, Wi-Fi devices do not presently pick channels to avoid

interference.

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Wi-Fi networks that are open (unencrypted) can be monitored and used to read

and copy data (including personal information) transmitted over the network

unless another security method is used to secure the data like a VPN or a secure

web page.

Manufacturers

There are many vendors’ now manufacturing and selling 802.11n products. They include:

Acer Airgo Networks Apple Asus Atheros Broadcom Buffalo Technology Dell Intel Linksys Netgear Pronet U.S. Robotics

Embedded systems

Wi-Fi availability in the home is on the increase. This extension of the Internet into the home space will increasingly be used for remote monitoring. Examples of remote monitoring include security systems and tele-medicine. In all these kinds of implementation, if the Wi-Fi provision is provided using a system running one of operating systems mentioned above, then it becomes unfeasible due to weight, power consumption and cost issues.

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Increasingly in the last few years (particularly as of early 2007), embedded Wi-Fi modules have become available which come with a real-time operating system and provide a simple means of wireless enabling any device which has and communicates via a serial port.

This allows simple monitoring devices, for example a portable ecg monitor hooked up to a patient in the home, to be created. This Wi-Fi enabled device effectively becomes part of the internet cloud and can communicate with any other node on the internet. The data collected can hop via the home's Wi-Fi access point to anywhere on the internet.

These Wi-Fi modules are designed so that minimal Wi-Fi knowledge is required by designers to wireless enable their product.

DIFFERENT TYPESOF

WIRELESS NETWORK

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ANDTHEIR LIMITATIONS

Wireless Router Network Diagram

Common layout for Wi-Fi-based home networksThis diagram illustrates use of a Wi-Fi wireless network router as the central device of a home network. See below for a detailed description of this layout.

Wireless Home Network Diagram Featuring Wi-Fi Router

Key Considerations - All devices connecting to a wireless router must possess a working network adapter. As illustrated in the diagram, connecting to the router a broadband modem (that has one or more built-in adapters) enables sharing of a high-speed Internet connection.

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Wireless routers technically allow dozens of computers to connect over Wi-Fi links. Nearly any residential wireless router will have no trouble supporting the number of wireless devices found in typical homes. However, if all Wi-Fi computers attempt to use the network at the same time, slowdowns in performance should be expected. Many (but not all) wireless network routers also allow up to four wired devices to be connected via Ethernet cable. When first installing this kind of home network, one computer should be cabled to the wireless router temporarily to allow initial configuration of the wireless features. Employing Ethernet connections after that is optional. Using permanent Ethernet connections make sense when the computer, printer or other device lacks Wi-Fi capability or cannot receive an adequate wireless radio signal from the router.

Optional Components - Networking the router for Internet access, printers, game consoles and other entertainment devices is not required for the rest of the home network to function. Simply omit any of these components shown that do not exist in your layout.

Limitations - The Wi-Fi portion of the network will function only to the limit of the wireless router's range. The range of Wi-Fi equipment varies depending on many factors including layout of the home and any radio interference that may be present. If the wireless router does not support enough Ethernet connections for you needs, add a secondary device like a network switch to expand the wired portion of the layout.

Ethernet Router Network Diagram

Common layout for Ethernet-based home networks

This diagram illustrates use of a wired network router as the central device of a home network. See below for a detailed description of this layout.

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Wired Home Network Diagram Featuring Ethernet Router

Key Considerations - Many (but not all) wired network routers allow up to four devices to be connected via Ethernet cable.

All devices connecting to an Ethernet router must possess a working Ethernet network adapter.

Optional Components - Networking the router for Internet access, printers, game consoles and other entertainment devices is not required for the rest of the home network to function. Simply omit any of these components shown that do not exist in your layout.

Limitations - If the Ethernet router does not support enough Ethernet connections, add a secondary device like a network switch to expand the layout

Hybrid Ethernet Router / Wireless Access Point Network Diagram

Common layout for hybrid home networksThis diagram illustrates use of a hybrid wired network router / wireless access point home network. See below for a detailed description of this layout.

Hybrid Home Network Diagram Featuring Wired Router and Wireless Access Point

Key Considerations - Most (but not all) wired network routers allow up to four devices to be connected via Ethernet cable. A wireless access point consumes one of these available ports, but it then enables many (dozens of) Wi-Fi devices to join the network.

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Nearly any home network wireless access point will have no issue managing to support the number of wireless devices there. However, if all Wi-Fi computers attempt to use the network at the same time, performance slowdowns can result.

All devices connecting to an Ethernet router must possess a working Ethernet network adapter. All devices connecting a wireless access point must possess a working Wi-Fi network adapter.

Optional Components - Networking of Internet access, printers, game consoles and other entertainment devices is not required for either the router or access point to function. Simply omit any of these components shown that do not exist in your layout.

You can choose which devices to connect to the router and which to the wireless access point. Additional network adapters may be needed to convert some Ethernet devices, particularly printers and game consoles, to work wirelessly.

Limitations - The Wi-Fi portion of the network will function only to the limit of the wireless access point's range. The range of Wi-Fi equipment varies depending on many factors including layout of the home and any radio interference that may be present.

If the wireless router does not support enough Ethernet connections, add a secondary device like a network switch to expand the wired portion of the layout.

Direct Connection Network Diagram

Common layout for simple Ethernet home networksThis diagram illustrates direct connection without a router or other central device on the home network. See below for a detailed description of this layout.

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Wired Home Network Diagram Featuring Direct Connection

Key Considerations - Direct connection can be achieved with several different types of cabling. Ethernet cabling is the most common, but even simpler (slower) alternatives exist including RS-232 serial cable, and parallel cable. Direct Connection is common for game consoles to support two-player network gaming.

Optional Components - Connecting to the Internet requires that one computer possess two network adapters - one to support the Internet connection and one to support the second computer. Additionally, Internet connection sharing software must be installed to allow the second computer Internet access. If Internet connectivity is not necessary, these things can be omitted from this layout.

Limitations - Direct connection works only for a single pair of computers / devices. Additional devices cannot join such a network, although other pairs can be connected separately as shown above.

Ad Hoc Wireless Network Diagram

Common layout for Wi-Fi-based home networksThis diagram illustrates use of a so-called ad hoc wireless setup in a home network. See below for a detailed description of this layout.

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Wireless Home Network Diagram Featuring Ad Hoc Wi-Fi Connections

Key Considerations - Using ad hoc Wi-Fi mode eliminates the need for a network router or access point in a wireless home network. With ad hoc wireless, you can network computers together as needed without needing to be in reach of one central location. Most people use ad hoc Wi-Fi only in temporary situations to avoid potential security issues.

Optional Components - Networking an ad hoc layout for Internet access, printers, or game consoles and other entertainment devices is not required for the rest of the home network to function. Simply omit any of these components shown that do not exist in your layout.

Limitations - All devices connecting via ad hoc wireless must possess a working Wi-Fi network adapter. These adapters must be configured for "ad hoc" mode instead of the more typical "infrastructure" mode.

Because of their more flexible design, ad hoc Wi-Fi networks are also more difficult to keep secures than those using central wireless routers / access points.

Ad hoc Wi-Fi networks support a maximum of 11 Mbps bandwidth, while other Wi-Fi networks may support 54 Mbps or higher.

Ethernet Hub/Switch Network Diagram

Common layout for Ethernet-based home networksThis diagram illustrates use of an Ethernet hub or switch on a home network. See below for a detailed description of this layout.

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Wired Home Network Diagram Featuring Ethernet Hub or Switch

Key Considerations - Ethernet hubs and switches allow multiple wired computers to network with each other. Most (but not all) Ethernet hubs and switches support up to four connections.

Optional Components - Networking of Internet access, printers, or game consoles and other entertainment devices is not required for the rest of this home network layout to function. Simply omit any of these components shown that do not exist in your design.

Additional hubs and switches can be incorporated to the basic layout shown. Connecting hubs and/or switches to each other expands the total number of computers the network can support up to several dozen.

Limitations - All computers connecting to a hub or switch must possess a working Ethernet network adapter.

As shown, unlike a network router, Ethernet hubs and switches cannot interface directly to an Internet connection. Instead, one computer must be designated as controlling the Internet connection and all other computers access the Internet through it. Internet connection sharing software can be installed on each computer for this purpose.

Phone line Home Network Diagram

Layout for HPNA-based phone line home networks

This diagram illustrates use of Home Phoneline Networking Alliance equipment to build a home network. See below for a detailed description of this layout.

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Phone line Home Network Diagram Featuring HPNA Gateway / Router

Key Considerations - Phone line networks utilize the ordinary telephone wiring of a residence to carry home network communications. As with Ethernet or Wi-Fi networks, phone line networks require each device to have a compatible phoneline network adapter installed. These adapters are connected by ordinary phone wires (or sometimes CAT5 Ethernet cable) to telephone wall outlets.

When connecting multiple computers with phoneline networking, one central computer "gateway" must be established. The gateway represents the network's primary device for connecting to the Internet. A few models of home network routers (sometimes called "residential gateways") support phoneline networking today. Otherwise, you must designate one computer as the gateway and install two network adapters on this computer to enable it for gateway functions. Depending on the type of primary device chosen, hybrid networks with a combination of phoneline, Ethernet or Wi-Fi devices can be created.

The Home Phoneline Networking Alliance (HomePNA) develops technology standards that compatible phoneline equipment must support.

Optional Components - As mentioned above, a network router is optional when building a phoneline home network. Phoneline networking also works regardless of whether the residence is subscribed either to basic local telephone service or to DSL Internet service.

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Limitations - HomePNA phone line networking has proven much less popular than Wi-Fi or Ethernet alternatives. Phone line networking products will generally be more difficult to find, and there will be fewer choices of models for this reason.

All phone line network equipment must be connected to the same electrical circuit within the residence. Specifically, residences that have two phone lines installed must choose one or the other line to connect all devices.

The range of an HomePNA (version 2.0) phone line network is about 1000 feet (300 m). The maximum bandwidth of an HomePNA 2.0 network is 10 Mbps, while an HomePNA 3.0 network supports more than 100 Mbps. The speed of phone line networking can suffer depending on the quality of phone cables installed in the residence.

Powerline Home Network Diagram

Layout for HomePlug powerline home networksThis diagram illustrates use of HomePlug equipment to build a powerline home network.

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Powerline Home Network Diagram Featuring Powerline Router

Key Considerations - Powerline networks utilize the ordinary electrical circuitry of a residence to carry home network communications. Available powerline equipment includes network routers, network bridges and other adapters. To connect to a powerline network, one end of the adapter plugs into a standard electric wall outlet while the other connects to a device's network port (usually Ethernet or USB). All connected devices share the same communication circuit. The HomePlug Powerline Alliance develops technology standards supported by compatible powerline equipment.

Optional Components - Not all devices on the home network must be connected to a powerline router; hybrid networks with Ethernet or Wi-Fi devices can be joined with the powerline network. For example, a Wi-Fi powerline bridge can optionally be plugged into a wall outlet, enabling wireless devices to connect to it and in turn to the rest of the powerline network.

Limitations - HomePlug phoneline networking remains much less popular than Wi-Fi or Ethernet alternatives. Powerline networking products will generally be more difficult to find with fewer choices of models for this reason. Powerline networks generally do not work as reliably if devices plug into power strips or extensions cords. Connect directly to the wall outlets for best results. In homes with multiple circuits installed, all devices must connect to the same one circuit to communicate with each other. The maximum bandwidth of a HomePlug (version 1.0) powerline network is 14 Mbps; while the newer HomePlug AV standard supports more than 100 Mbps. Poor quality electrical wiring as found in older homes can degrade the performance of a powerline network.

How Wi-Fi Works

If you've been in an airport, coffee shop, library or hotel recently, chances are you've been right in the middle of a wireless network. Many people also use wireless

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networking, also called WiFi or 802.11 networking, to connect their computers at home, and an increasing number of cities use the technology to provide free or low-cost Internet access to residents. In the near future, wireless networking may become so widespread that you can access the Internet just about anywhere at any time, without using wires.

One wireless router can allow multiple devices to connect to the Internet.

WiFi has a lot of advantages. Wireless networks are easy to set up and inexpensive. They're also unobtrusive -- unless you're on the lookout for a place to use your laptop, you may not even notice when you're in a hotspot. In this article, we'll look at the technology that allows information to travel over the air. We'll also review what it takes to create a wireless network in your home.

Before You Buy a Wireless Internet Router

All wireless Internet routers might appear very much alike at first glance. In fact, many different wireless router models exist each with its own unique set of attributes. Use the

42

checklist below to help decide which brand of wireless network router could work best for you.

Uncover Discounts and Generally Low Prices

All other things being equal, many consumers will choose the product that costs the least. Manufacturers will often offer rebates or other discounts from the full retail price of their wireless routers. You may be getting an older product instead of the latest and greatest, but with network gear, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Shop around and you're likely to land a good value for your money.

Research the Popular Models

An old adage says: "There is safety in numbers." Odds are, if many people are buying a particular product, it's serving a useful need. Top selling network gear tends to be current generation technology but not cutting edge. If you tend to play it conservative and run with the pack, check sales rankings at online retailers to start building your wireless Internet router short list.

Consider Terms of Warranty

Wireless Internet router manufacturers always provide a warranty package together with their equipment. The length and terms of these warranties vary widely. A better warranty may indicate a manufacturer more committed to support their products, while a lesser warranty could indicate a somewhat lesser standard of product quality or reliability. Always consider wireless router warranties when making your purchase decision.

Ignore (Most of) the Success and Horror Stories Told by Others

Countless consumers post opinions of their particular wireless Internet router to blogs, message boards, retailer Web sites and elsewhere online. For most brands of routers, a confusing mix of positive and negative anecdotes awaits you. Due to the complexity of home networking today, any given brand of wireless router that performs flawlessly in one person's home network could fail miserably in yours. Bottom line: Don't let someone else's experience, good or bad; sway your decision too much.

Try Brand Matching Your Network Adapters

Consider purchasing a wireless Internet router of the same brand as at least one of your wireless network adapters. The benefit is a small one, but sometimes vendors will optimize communication protocols of their own equipment; you may see slightly higher performance. Vendors may also more thoroughly test compatibility with their own equipment. If you don't own any adapters (or newer laptops with built-in wireless), consider purchasing all of your WiFi gear together from the same manufacturer.

Find a Good Fit in Size and Style

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In many households, wireless Internet routers are installed in a visible central area of the residence. Purchasing a stylish router can make this an attractive addition to the decor that you will be proud to show family and friends. Routers vary in both size and shape. If you plan to install the router in a confined space, ensure you pick one with a suitable form factor. Small business owners and others interested in portability may likewise consider the class of "travel router" products.

Satisfy Your Need for Speed

You may be tempted to ignore all else and simply snap up the wireless Internet router with the highest speed rating (in Mbps). In fact, these speed ratings may be the least important of all factors listed here. Consider that the actual performance you will achieve in practice typically averages much, much lower than the maximum rating shown on the package. Furthermore, high-speed routers cannot directly speed up your Internet connection that is usually the real bottleneck on a home network.

Networking with a Router

Using a router on broadband and/or wireless home networks

A network router is a small electronic device that allows you build a home network simply. The home router serves as the core or "centerpiece" of the network to which computers, printers and other devices can be connected. Networking with a router helps you to (for example):

share files between computers share an Internet connection between computers share a printer connect your game console or other home entertainment equipment to the Internet Routers are not necessarily required to build a network. For example, you can

connect two computers directly to each other with just a cable (or without wires in some cases). Home routers offer convenience and easier maintenance as your network grows.

Related - Connecting Two Home Computers

Choosing a Network Router

You can choose from among several different types of home network router products.

The two most common types in popular usage are the 802.11b and 802.11g WiFi models. 802.11g is the newer technology, but 802.11b routers often can do the job for an even lower cost.

Installing a Network Router

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Network routers receive their power from an ordinary home electrical socket. When powered on, lights (LEDs) signify the unit is operating.

Network routers must be carefully configured when they are first installed. Like computers and other devices on the home network, routers must be set up with IP addresses. Routers also offer optional (but strongly recommended) security features.

Routers contain built-in software to enable setup. You access this software through your Web browser on any computer connected to the router.

How to Build a Wireless Home Network

Introduction to wireless computer networking

This tutorial will guide you through the process of planning, building, and testing a wireless home network. Although mainstream wireless networking has made amazing strides in the past few years, wireless technology and terminology remains a bit difficult for most of us to comprehend. This same guide will help small business networkers, too!

Build a Wireless LAN, Step by Step

You can build any typical wireless home network, a wireless LAN (WLAN), using this simple three-step approach:

1. Identify the WLAN design that's best for your situation2. Choose good wireless gear3. Install gear and test the configured WLAN

In subsequent pages, I break down each of these steps in more detail.

Ready to Go Wireless?

This article assumes you've already made an informed decision to go wireless rather than build a traditional cabled network. Though prices have dropped dramatically from a few years ago, when wireless gear was quite expensive, wireless networks still aren't for everyone (yet). Unsure that wireless will really meet your needs? Use the following supplementary article to help you choose wisely:

Types of Wireless Equipment

The five types of equipment found in wireless home networks are:

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Wireless network adapters Wireless access points Wireless routers Add-on wireless antennas Wireless signal boosters

Wireless Routers

Linksys WRT54G Wireless Broadband Router

The centerpiece product of many home computer networks is a wireless router. These routers support all home computers configured with wireless network adapters (see below). They also contain a network switch to allow some computers to be connected with Ethernet cables. Wireless routers allow cable modem and DSL Internet connections to be shared. Additionally, many wireless router products include a built-in firewall that protects the home network from intruders. Illustrated above is the Linksys WRT54G (compare prices). This is a popular wireless router product based on the 802.11g Wi-Fi network standard. Wireless routers are small box-like devices generally less than 12 inches (0.3 m) in length, with LED lights on the front and with connection ports on the sides or back. Some wireless routers like the WRT54G feature external antennas that protrude from the top of the device; others contain built-in antennas. Wireless router products differ in the network protocols they support (802.11g, 802.11a, 802.11b or a combination), in the number of wired device connections they support, in the security options they support, and in many other smaller ways. Generally only one wireless router is required to network an entire household.

Wireless Access Points

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Linksys WAP54G Wireless Access Point

A wireless access point (sometimes called an "AP" or "WAP") serves to join or "bridge" wireless clients to a wired Ethernet network. Access points centralize all WiFi clients on a local network in so-called "infrastructure" mode. An access point in turn may connect to another access point, or to a wired Ethernet router.

Wireless access points are commonly used in large office buildings to create one wireless local area network (WLAN) that spans a large area. Each access point typically supports up to 255 client computers. By connecting access points to each other, local networks having thousands of access points can be created. Client computers may move or "roam" between each of these access points as needed.

In home networking, wireless access points can be used to extend an existing home network based on a wired broadband router. The access point connects to the broadband router, allowing wireless clients to join the home network without needing to rewire or re-configure the Ethernet connections.

As illustrated by the Linksys WAP54G (compare prices) shown above, wireless access points appear physically similar to wireless routers. Wireless routers actually contain a wireless access point as part of their overall package. Like wireless routers, access points are available with support for 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g or combinations.

Wireless Network Adapters

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Linksys WPC54G Wireless Network Adapter

A wireless network adapter allows a computing device to join a wireless LAN. Wireless network adapters contain a built-in radio transmitter and receiver. Each adapter supports one or more of the 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g Wi-Fi standards.

Wireless network adapters also exist in several different form factors. Traditional PCI wireless adapters are add-in cards designed for installation inside a desktop computer having a PCI bus. USB wireless adapters connect to the external USB port of a computer. Finally, so-called PC Card or PCMCIA wireless adapters insert into a narrow open bay on a notebook computer.

One example of a PC Card wireless adapter, the Linksys WPC54G (compare prices) is shown above.

Each type of wireless network adapter is small, generally less than 6 inches (0.15 m) long. Each provides equivalent wireless capability according to the Wi-Fi standard it supports.

Some notebook computers are now manufactured with bulit-in wireless networking. Small chips inside the computer provide the equivalent functions of a network adapter. These computers obviously do not require separate installation of a separate wireless network adapter.

Wireless Print Servers

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Linksys WPS54G Wireless Print Server

A wireless print server allows one or two printers to be conveniently shared across a WiFi network. Wireless print servers for home networks generally are available in both 802.11b and 802.11g varieties.

Wireless print servers offer the following advantages:

Allows printers to be conveniently located anywhere within wireless network range, not tied to the location of computers

Does not require a computer be always turned on in order to print Does not require a computer to manage all print jobs, that can bog down its

performance Allows administrators to change computer names and other settings without having to

re-configure the network printing settings.

A wireless print server must be connected to printers by a network cable, normally USB 1.1 or USB 2.0. The print server itself can connect to a wireless router over WiFi, or it can be joined using an Ethernet cable.

Most print server products include setup software on a CD-ROM that must be installed on one computer to complete the initial configuration of the device. As with network adapters, wireless print servers must be configured with the correct network name (SSID) and encryption settings. Additionally, a wireless print server requires client software be installed on each computer needing to use a printer.

The Linksys WPS54G (compare prices) 802.11g USB wireless print server is shown. Print servers are very compact devices that include a built-in wireless antenna and LED lights to indicate status.

Wireless Game Adapters

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Linksys WGA54G Wireless Game Adapter

A wireless game adapter connects a video game console to a Wi-Fi home network to enable Internet or head-to-head LAN gaming. Wireless game adapters for home networks are available in both 802.11b and 802.11g varieties. An example of an 802.11g wireless game adapter appears above, the Linksys WGA54G Wireless game adapters can be connected either to a wireless router using an Ethernet cable (for best reliability and performance) or over Wi-Fi (for greater reach and convenience). Wireless game adapter products include setup software on a CD-ROM that must be installed on one computer to complete initial configuration of the device. As with generic network adapters, wireless game adapters must be configured with the correct network name (SSID) and encryption settings.

Wireless Range Extender

Linksys WRE54G Wireless Range Expander

A wireless range extender increases the distance over which a WLAN signal can spread, overcoming obstacles and enhancing overall network signal quality. Several different forms of wireless range extenders are available. These products are sometimes called "range expanders" or "signal boosters.

A wireless range extender works as a relay or network repeater, picking up and reflecting WiFi signals from a network's base router or access point. The network performance of devices connected through a range extender will generally be lower than if they were connected directly to the primary base station.

A wireless range extender connects wirelessly to a WiFi router or access point. However, due to the nature of this technology, most wireless range extenders work only with a limited set of other equipment. Check the manufacturer's specifications carefully for compatibility information.

Wireless Internet Video Cameras

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Linksys WVC54G Wireless Internet Video Camera

A wireless Internet video camera allows video (and sometimes audio) data to be captured and transmitted across a WiFi computer network. Wireless Internet video cameras are available in both 802.11b and 802.11g varieties. The Linksys WVC54G 802.11g wireless camera is shown above.

Wireless Internet video cameras work by serving up data streams to any computer that connects to them. Cameras like the one above contain a built in Web server. Computers connect to the camera using either a standard Web browser or through a special client user interface provided on CD-ROM with the product. With proper security information, video streams from these cameras can also be viewed across the Internet from authorized computers.

Wi-Fi Internet video cameras can be connected to a wireless router using either an Ethernet cable or wirelessly. These products include setup software on a CD-ROM that must be installed on one computer to complete initial Wi-Fi configuration of the device.

Features that distinguish different wireless Internet video cameras from each other include:

resolution of the captured video images (for example, 320x240 pixel, 640x480 pixel, and other image sizes)

motion sensors, and the ability to send email alerts when new activity is detected and captured

ability to timestamp images built-in microphones and/or jacks for external microphones, for audio support types of WiFi security supported, such as WEP or WAP

Making the Decision to go Wireless

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To share files between computers To share printers To share an Internet connection

Types of Networks used in a Home

Hard Wired

Wireless

Wireless Standards

802.11ao Speed 54Mbso Frequency used is 5 gigahertz (Ghz).

802.11bo Speed 11Mbso Frequency used is 2.4 gigahertz (Ghz).

802.11go Speed 54Mbso Frequency used is 2.4 gigahertz (Ghz).

802.11no Speed 200Mbs (Typ), 540Mps (max)o Frequency used is 2.4 gigahertz (Ghz).o Range indoors is 50m

New and Future Technology

Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) Allows present technology to achieve greater throughput with the present

standards, In the future 802.11n may be the new standard for wireless local-area networks

Throughput may reach 540 Mbs 10 times faster than 802.11a or 802.11g A better operating distance May include MIMO technology

Wireless Router Features

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Contain a wireless access point Allows wireless devices to connect

May use MIMO technology Increases throughput

Contain a hardware firewall Stops inbound data unless you request it

Have setup for Wireless security Keeps strangers from accessing LAN through the wireless access point

Some Wireless Router and Wireless Adapter Brands

Linksys D-Link PRONET AirLink Belkin Netgear

Firewalls

You should have a fire wall on all your computers that have access to the internet Two types of fire walls

Hardware fire wall Used to stop incoming data that is not requested by your computer

Software firewalls Zone Alarm is used to keep your computer from sending or

receiving information without your permission.

Wireless security

In the Router:

Change the default Service Set Identifier (SSID) Disable the SSID broadcast Change the User Name and Passwords on the wireless router Set up the wireless encryption Setup the MAC Filter Change the routers local IP address

Wireless Security – Encryption Types

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Wired Equivalent Privacy ( WEP ) The oldest encryption method Uses a 64-bit or more secure 128 bit key

Wi-Fi Protected Access ( WPA ) Newer encryption method that uses 256-bit key

Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 ( WPA2 ) Newest encryption method Backward compatible with WPA

Setting up your Wireless Router

Things you need to know Who is your ISP

What type of Internet connection are you using User name and password if required

Brand of router Default local IP address Default User Name Default Password

Demonstration on setting up wireless router

Use setup CD that came with router If you already have a router installed you should remove it first. The

installation software will try to determine the type of connection Or

Bring up browser and access router Inter routers local IP address in the URL Inter the default User Name and Password Setup router

Setting up the wireless adapter in the remote PC

You must know the SSID and encryption KEY for the network you wish to connect. We entered these in the router.

Types of wireless networks Infrastructure Ad-Hoc

For this demonstration we will be using an Infrastructure network

Description of the networks for your information

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Infrastructure network Wireless network centered about an access point Access point

Provides communication with the wired network Mediates wireless network traffic in the immediate neighborhood

Description of the networks for your information

Ad-Hoc Are point-to-point networks

May consist of two or more mobile computers A collection of computers which propagate the signals. (A

to B to C to A). May be simple point to point

Description of the networks

Ad-Hoc

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May be a more complex system with multiple entities

The type of wireless adapters

Will depend on your wireless PC For a desktop

PCI adapter USB adapter

For the laptop PC card ( PCMCIA card) USB adapter

Use an adapter that matches your router to get maximum throughputInstalling the wireless adapter

Use the installation instructions that come with your wireless adapter Using the correct sequence

Install hardware Use CD that comes with the hardware

Install the driver Install the software (utility program)

Connecting the wireless computer to the access point Have the remote computer scan for networks

Find SSID of your network and select it enter the encryption key that was used to set up the wireless part of

the router Confirm key if necessary

Click on connect You should be connected to the network

1- D-link DSL-G604T:

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Product Features:

Combined Wireless Router and ADSL Modem Solution Wirelessly Connect to the Internet With 802.11g Technology Network Security with Integrated Firewall Features Up to 150x Faster Than Dial-Up Modems

Product Description:

D-Link, an industry leader in networking, introduces the DSL-G604T, a Wireless ADSL router modem combining both an ADSL modem and 802.11g wireless router in one unit, bringing high-speed wireless Internet connection to a home or office.

The DSL-G604T uses ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) technology for Internet connection speeds of up to 150x faster than dial-up, while using a standard phone line.

Using 802.11g wireless technology, Wi-Fi enabled computers and devices can wirelessly connect to the DSL-G604T and share a single incoming Internet connection. With four additional Ethernet LAN ports, you can connect your network Ethernet-enabled devices.

The router functionality on the DSL-G604T Wireless ADSL Router Modem includes support for VPN pass-through of multiple concurrent IPSec and PPTP tunnels, making it especially useful for telecommuters or users who need a more secure way to communicate and transmit information.

A simple configuration tool and a Web-based user interface allow you to easily modify settings to connect to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This Web interface also provides traffic statistics, connection speed, and other detailed information.

The DSL-G604T Wireless ADSL Router Modem supports static IP, Dynamic IP, as well as PPPoE connections, and works with applications such as online gaming and VPN connections with no additional configuration. The DSL-G604T is easily upgradeable, making it future-proof for both end-users and service providers.

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Whether it’s for a home user who wants to share wireless high-speed Internet access or for a small office that needs Internet access for conducting essential business activities, the DSL-G604T Wireless ADSL Router Modem is the ideal all-in-one broadband solution.

SPESIFICATION:

DSL-G604T   >   Wireless G ADSL Router Modem

Specifications

Standards

• ANSI T1.413 issue 2

• ITU G.992.1 (G.dmt)

• ITU G.992.2 (G.lite)

• ITU G.994.1 (G.hs)

• IEEE 802.3

• IEEE 802.3u

• IEEE 802.11

• IEEE 802.11b

• IEEE 802.11g

Ports• RJ-11 Port for Connection to ADSL

• Four 10/100Mbps Ethernet LAN Ports for Connection to Ethernet-enabled devices

Device Management

• Telnet

• HTTP Web Management

• TFTP for Firmware Upgrade

DSL Data Rates

• DMT full rate downstream (up to 8Mbps)

• DMT full rate upstream (up to 640Kbps)

• G.lite ADSL downstream (up to 1.5Mbps)

• G.lite ADSL upstream (up to 512Kbps)

Software Features • Dynamic Learning (Up to 256 MAC Addresses)

DHCP • Server and Client

Routing Protocols Supported• TCP/UDP, ARP, RARP, ICMP, DHCP, DNS, RIPv1

(RFC 1058), RIP v2 (RFC1389), IGMP, PPPoE, IGMP, P2PP

VPN Pass Through

• L2TP

• PPTP

• IPSec

Wireless Signal Rates* With Automatic Fallback

• IEEE 802.11b: 11, 5.5, 2, and 1Mbps

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• IEEE 802.11g: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6Mbps

Media Access Protocol • DSMA/CA with ACK

Wireless Security• WEP: 64/128/256-bit

• WPA (IEEE 802.1x + TKIP)

Wireless Frequency Range • 2400 ~ 2484.5Mhz ISM Band

Radio and Modulation Type• IEEE 802.11b: DQPSK, DBPSK, DSSS, and CCK

• IEEE 802.11g: BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM. OFDM

Channels• 11 Channels (US)

• 13 Channels (Europe and Japan)

LEDs

• Power

• Status

• WLAN

• ADSL Link/Act

• Ethernet Link/Act

• Ethernet 10/100M

Power• Output: 12V AC, 1.2A

• Max Power Consumption: 12W

Operating Temperature • 0º to 40ºC (32ºF to 104ºF)

Storage Temperature • -20º to 70ºC (-4ºF to 158ºF)

Certifications

• FCC Part 15 Class B

• FCC Part 68

• IEC 60950

• EN 60950

• CSA 950

• CE Mark

• UL 1950 3rd Ed

Dimensions • 7.07in x 5.59in x 1.18in

Weight • 0.8lbs

Warranty • 1 Year

Detailed View

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Product Diagram

2 - D-LINK DWL-G700AP:

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Product Features:

Up to 54Mbps WPA for Enhanced Wireless Security Quickly Add Wireless Access to Your Network Web-based Configuration and Management

Product Description:

D-Link, an industry leader in networking, introduces the new D-Link AirPlus™ G DWL-G700AP Access Point. With the ability to transfer files with a maximum wireless signal rate of up to 54Mbps*, the DWL-G700AP gives you high-speed wireless network access for your home or office.

The DWL-G700AP is Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11g compliant, meaning that it can connect and interoperate with other 802.11g compatible wireless client devices. The G700AP is also backwards compatible to 802.11b.

The D-Link DWL-G700AP Access Point has been verified and successfully passed through the Intel Wireless Verification Program, which tests the compatibility of various access point devices and wireless service providers with common configuration of notebooks built on Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology.

With its web-based setup wizard, the DWL-G700AP Access Point ensures that you will be up and running on a wireless network in just a matter of minutes. The DWL-G700AP also includes an embedded DHCP server that can automatically assign IP addresses to wireless network clients.

The DWL-G700AP Access Point features Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and 64/128-bit WEP Encryption to provide an enhanced level of security for wireless data communications. The DWL-G700AP also includes additional security features to keep your wireless connection safe from unauthorized access.

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With easy-to-use Web-based management, the DWL-G700AP Access Point is the right choice for setting up your first wireless network or extending the range of an existing wireless network.

Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g specifications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate. Environmental factors will adversely affect wireless signal range. This wireless access point product has been verified for basic compatibility with corresponding Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology based notebooks. Notebooks based on Intel Centrino mobile technology do not support proprietary 802.11g performance enhancement features. Data rate features and performance may vary based on the configuration of your notebook and other factors.Intel, the Intel inside Logo, Intel Centrino and the Intel Centrino logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION:

DWL-G700AP   >   High Speed 2.4GHz (802.11g) Wireless Access Point

Specifications

Standards

• IEEE 802.11b

• IEEE 802.11g

• IEEE 802.3

• IEEE 802.3u

Device Management• Web-based — Internet Explorer v6 or later;

Netscape Navigator v6 or later; or other Java-enabled browsers.

Wireless Signal Rates* With Automatic Fallback

• For 802.11g: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, and 6Mbps

• For 802.11b: 11, 5.5, 2, and 1Mbps

Security

• 64/128-bit WEP

• WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)

• MAC address filtering

• SSID Broadcast Disable function

Wireless Frequency Range • 2.412GHz to 2.462GHz

Wireless Signal Range*• Indoors: Up to 328ft (100 meters)

• Outdoors: Up to 1312ft (400 meters)

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Modulation Technology

• Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)

• Complementary Code Keying (CCK)

• BPSK

• QPSK

Receiver Sensitivity*IEEE 802.11g

• -65dBm @ PER10% in 54M 64QAM

• -66dBm @ PER10% in 48M 64QAM

• -70dBm @ PER10% in 36M 16QAM

• -74dBm @ PER10% in 24M 16QAM

• -77dBm @ PER10% in 18M QPSK

• -79dBm @ PER10% in 12M QPSK

• -81dBm @ PER10% in 9M BPSK

• -82dBm @ PER10% in 6M BPSK

Receiver Sensitivity*IEEE 802.11b

• -82dBm @ PER8% in 11M CCK

• -85dBm @ PER8% in 5.5M CCK

• -87dBm @ PER8% in 2M QBSK

• -87dBm @ PER8% in 1M BPSK

Wireless Transmit Power • 15dBm (32mW)±2dB

External Antenna Type • Detachable dual antennas with 2dB gain

LEDs

• Power

• WLAN

• LAN (10/100)

Power• External Power Supply: DC 5V/2A

• AC Adapter: 100V~120V

Temperature• Operating: 32ºF to 131ºF (0ºC to 55ºC)

• Storing: -4ºF to 149ºF (-20ºC to 65ºC)

Humidity • 5%~95% non-condensing

Certifications• FCC part 15 class B & C

• Wi-Fi

Dimensions

• L = 5.59 inches (142mm)

• W = 4.29 inches (109mm)

• H = 1.22 inches (31mm)

Weight • ~0.44lb (200g)

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Warranty • 1 Year

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Linksys WRT54G:

Wireless-G Broadband Router

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Product Features:

All-in-one Internet-sharing Router, 4-port Switch, and Wireless-G (802.11g) Access Point

Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless-G clients

Wireless data rates up to 54Mbps -- 5 times as fast as Wireless-B (802.11b), but also interoperable with Wireless-B devices (at 11Mbps)

Advanced security: Wi-Fi Protected Access™ (WPA), wireless MAC address filtering, powerful SPI firewall

Product Description:

Wireless-G is the upcoming 54Mbps wireless networking standard that's almost five times as fast as the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country — but since they share the same 2.4GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices can also interoperate with existing 11Mbps Wireless-B equipment.

Since both standards are built in, you can protect your investment in existing 802.11b infrastructure, and migrate to the new screaming fast Wireless-G standard as your needs grow.

The Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router is really three devices in one box. First, there's the Wireless Access Point, which lets you connect Wireless-G or Wireless-B devices to the network. There's also a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices. Connect four PCs directly, or daisy-chain out to more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need. Finally, the Router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL

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Internet connection, files, and other resources such as printers and hard disk storage space.

To protect your data and privacy, the Wireless-G Broadband Router can encode all wireless transmissions using 128-bit WEP encryption, and also supports industrial-strength Wi-Fi Protected Access™ (WPA) wireless security. The Router protects your PC from most known Internet attacks with a powerful Stateful Packet Inspection firewall. It can also serve as a DHCP Server, supports VPN pass-through, and can be configured to filter internal users' access to the Internet. And even with all this power, set up is a snap with the web browser-based configuration utility.

With the Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router at the center of your home or office network, you can share a high-speed Internet connection, files, printers, and multi-player games with the flexibility, speed, and security you need!

Verified Linksys products have been tested with Intel® Centrino™ Mobile Technology for compatibility and interoperability, further enhancing your wireless experience.

Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router:

Technical Details

All-in-one Internet-sharing router, 4-port switch, and Wireless-G (802.11g) access point

Wireless data rates up to 54 Mbps--5 times faster than 802.11b

Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless- G clients

Interoperates with 802.11b clients at 11 Mbps

Advanced wireless security with 128-bit WEP encryption, MAC, or IP address filtering

Product Description

The Linksys Wireless-G broadband router is really three devices in one box. First, it's a wireless access point, which lets you connect Wireless-G or Wireless-B devices to the network. There's also a built-in four-port full-duplex 10/100 switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices. Connect four PCs directly, or daisy-chain out to more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need. Finally, the router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection.

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To protect your data and privacy, the Wireless-G broadband router can encrypt all wireless transmissions, and it supports the industrial-strength wireless security of 802.1x authentication and authorization. The router can serve as a DHCP server, has NAT technology to protect against Internet intruders, supports VPN pass-through, and can be configured to filter internal users' access to the Internet. Configuration is a snap with the Web browser-based configuration utility.

With the Linksys Wireless-G broadband router at the center of your home or office network, you can share a high-speed Internet connection, files, printers, and multiplayer games with the flexibility, speed, and security you need!

Wireless-G is the 54 Mbps wireless networking standard that's more than four times faster than the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country. But since they share the same 2.4 GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices can also interoperate with existing 11 Mbps Wireless-B equipment.

Because both standards are built-in, you can protect your investment in existing 802.11b infrastructure, and migrate to the new screaming-fast Wireless-G standard as your needs grow.

For more information on the differences between an access point and a router with access point, see the following table:

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69

Linksys / WAP4400N / 300Mbps / 802.11n (Draft-N) / Wireless Access Point with Power Over Ethernet (PoE)

Linksys Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet

With the growth in high bandwidth applications, such as storage and video in the work place, network performance is essential. Wireless technology is no longer lagging behind wired performance. The introduction of the Linksys Business Series WAP4400N wireless Access Point answers the growing business' need for access, speed and security.

The Access Point uses the very latest wireless networking technology, Wireless-N (draft 802.11n). By overlaying the signals of multiple radios, Wireless-N's “Multiple In, Multiple Out” (MIMO) technology multiplies the effective data rate. Unlike ordinary wireless networking technologies that are confused by signal reflections, MIMO actually uses these reflections to increase the range and reduce “dead spots” in the wireless coverage area.

The Linksys Wireless-N Access Point lets you connect Wireless-N (802.11n), Wireless-G (802.11g) or Wireless-B (802.11b) devices to your wired network so you can add PCs to the network with no cabling hassle. Power over Ethernet support makes it easy to install -- you can mount the Access Point anywhere, even without ready access to a power plug. With appropriate Power over Ethernet support at the other end, you only need to run one cable to the Access Point to deliver both data and power. Of course, you can also use the included AC adapter if your installation point has power available nearby.

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To protect your data and privacy, the Wireless-G Exterior Access Point supports both Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and the industrial-strength wireless security of Wi-Fi Protected Access™ (WPA), encoding all your wireless transmissions with powerful encryption. The MAC Address filter lets you decide exactly who has access to your wireless network, and advanced logging keeps you appraised. Configuration is a snap with the web browser-based configuration utility.

The Linksys Wireless-N Access Point with Power Over Ethernet is the best way to add wireless access to your existing business network.

Specifications:

  Device Type: Wireless Access Point

  Form Factor: Desktop

  Wireless Network Standards: IEEE 802.11gIEEE 802.11bIEEE 802.11n

  Wireless Data Transfer Rates: 300 Mbps

  Security Protocols: 128-bit WEP64-bit WEPWPA-PersonalWPA-EnterpriseWPA-PSK

  Modulation Technology: OFDMDSSS

  Networking Standards:IEEE 802.3 Ethernet 10Base-T, IEEE 802.3u Ethernet 100Base-TX

  Firewall Features: MAC Address Filtering

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  Management: Web Based

  10/100/1000 Mbps Ports: 1

  Antenna Type: Omni-Directional

Detailed Features

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Features

Draft 802.11n wireless networking can provide speeds greater than 100Mbps Full backwards compatibility for 802.11b and 802.11g Easy installation and configuration web Interface Supports WEP, WPA-PSK,

WPA2-PSK, WPA2-ENT, WPAENT authentication (802.11i ready) Adjustable Dipole antennaes with MIMO 2x3 Diversity Gigabit Ethernet LAN interface Supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) or external DC power Supports SNMP and intuitive web-based interface WMM wireless QoS support - upgradeable to 802.11e

Latest Owner Reviews

5.05.05.05.0

08mbps wireless...

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PN-54WRT 54MBPS WIRELESS ROUTER

The PN-54WRT 54Mbps Wireless Router integrates firewall, NAT-router and Wireless

AP. The design is dedicated to Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Wireless network

solution. The PN-54WRT 54Mbps Wireless Router will allow you to connect your

network wirelessly better than ever, sharing Internet Access, files and fun, easily and

securely.

With the most attentive wireless security, the PN-54WRT 54Mbps Wireless Router

provides multiple protection measures. It can be set to turn off wireless network name

(SSID) broadcast so that only stations that have the SSID can be connected. The Router

provides wireless LAN 64/128/152-bit WEP encryption security, and WPA/WPA2 and

WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK authentication and TKIP/AES encryption security. It also

supports VPN pass-through for sensitive data secure transmission.

The PN-54WRT 54Mbps Wireless Router complies with the IEEE 802.11g/b standards

and adopts 2x to 3x extended Range™ WLAN transmission technology so that

transmission distance is 2-3 times that of traditional 11g/b solutions, up to 855.36m tested

in China. Transmission range is extended to 4-9 times. It is compatible with all IEEE

802.11g and IEEE 802.11b products.

The PN-54WRT 54Mbps Wireless Router provides flexible access control. It has built-in

NAT and DHCP server supporting static IP address distributing. It also supports Virtual

Server and DMZ host for Port Triggering needs, as well as remote management and log

so that network administrators can manage and monitor the network on real time.

The PN-54WRT 54Mbps Wireless Router is easy-to-manage. Quick Setup Wizard is

supported and friendly help messages are provided for every step. So you can configure it

quickly and share Internet access, files and fun.

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Features

Complies with IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u standards 1 10/100M Auto-Negotiation RJ45 WAN port, 4 10/100M Auto-Negotiation

RJ45 LAN ports Supports Auto MDI/MDIX Adopts 2x to 3x extended Range™ Shares data and Internet access for users, supporting PPPoE, Dynamic IP, Static

IP, L2TP, Big Pond Cable Internet access Supports 54/48/36/24/18/12/9/6/11/5.5/3/2/1Mbps wireless LAN data transfer

rates Provides 64/128/152-bit WEP encryption security Provides WPA/WPA2 and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK authentication and TKIP/AES

encryption security Provides wireless LAN ACL (Access Control List) filtering Built-in NAT and DHCP server supporting static IP address distributing Supports Virtual Server, Special Application, and DMZ host Built-in firewall supporting IP address filtering, Domain Name filtering, and

MAC address filtering Supports TCP/IP, PPPoE, DHCP, ICMP, NAT Supports UPnP, Dynamic DNS, Static Routing, VPN pass-through Supports Flow Statistics Supports ICMP-FLOOD, UDP-FLOOD, TCP-SYN-FLOOD filter Ignores Ping packets from WAN or LAN ports Supports firmware upgrade Supports Remote and Web management

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PN-54AP – 54MBPS WIRELESS ACCESS POINT

The device is 11g Wireless LAN Access Point, Wireless LAN solution compliant with

802.11g standard and IEEE 802.11b. WLAN networking can wirelessly transmit and

receive data, minimizing the need for wired connections, at a speed of up to Fifty-four

megabit per second, you can locate your PC wherever you want without wires and cables.

The device provides users with an access to real-time information anywhere in their

organization. The mobility provides productivity and service, which are not available

under wired networks.

Features

Provide Ethernet to Wireless LAN bridge fully compatible on Ethernet side and fully IEEE 802.3 compatible on the Ethernet side and fully interoperable with IEEE 802.11g compliant equipment

Provide 10/100 BASE-TX Fast Ethernet interface. IEEE 802.11g Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc operating modes. Dynamic date rate scaling at 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9 and 6 Mbps for 802.11g Dynamic date rate scaling at 11, 5.5, 2 and 1Mbps for 802.11b Allow auto fallback data rate for optimized reliability, throughput and

transmission range Supports wireless data encryption with 64/128-bit WEP standard for security Supports WDS bridging function Supports wireless security standards WPA Dual diversity antennas for the multi-path environment

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Web-based configuration tools and management

PN-54AP – 54MBPS WIRELESS ACCESS POINT

Specifications

StandardsIEEE 802.11g (Wireless LAN)IEEE 802.3u (Fast Ethernet

Radio Technology802.11b: Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)802.11g: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)

Transmission Rate 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 11, 12, 18, 22, 24, 36, 48, 54Mbps (auto sense)

Receiver Sensitivity54Mbps: Typical -68dBm @ 10% PER (Packet Error Rate)11Mbps: Typical -81dBm @ 8% PER (Packet Error Rate)

Wireless LAN Frequency Range

2412 ~ 2484 MHz ISM band (channels 1 ~ 14)

Modulation Schemes DBPSK/DQPSK/CCK/OFDM

Media Access Protocol CSMA/CA with ACK

Transmit Power802.11g: Minimum 12dBm typically802.11b: Minimum 15dBm typically

Antenna Type Dual diversity antennas with 2 dB gain

Interface 10/100BASE-TX RJ-45 Ethernet

Network Management Web base configuration via Web Browser

ChannelUSA : 1 ~ 11Europe: 1 ~ 13Japan: 1 ~ 14

Security64/128-bits WEP Encryption/DecryptionWireless Fidelity Protected Access (WPA).

Range CoverageIndoor: 50 ~ 100 meters (depends on environment)Outdoor: 100 ~ 300 meters (depends on environment)

Diagnostic LEDs Power & LAN & WLAN

Dimensions (W x H x D)

139.5 x 114.5 x 29.4 mm (without antenna)

EnviromentOperation Temperature: 0~ 40 °C. Storage Temperature: -25 ~ 70 °C. Storage Temperature: 10% ~ 90% RH, no condensation.

Certifications FCC, CE

TL-WR642G - 108MBPS WIRELESS ROUTER

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The TL-WR642G 108Mbps Wireless Router integrates firewall, NAT-router and

Wireless AP. It's design is dedicated to Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Wireless

network solution. The TL- WR642G 108Mbps

Wireless Router will allow you to connect your

network wirelessly better than ever, sharing Internet

Access, files and fun, easily and securely.

With the most attentive wireless security, the TL-WR642G 108Mbps Wireless Router

provides multiple protection measures. It can be set to turn off wireless network name

(SSID) broadcast so that only stations that have the SSID can be connected. The router

provides wireless LAN 64/128/152-bit WEP encryption security, and WPA and WPA-

PSK authentication and TKIP/AES encryption security. It also supports VPN pass-

through for sensitive data secure transmission.

Features

1 10/100M Auto-Negotiation WAN RJ45 port, 4 10/100M Auto-Negotiation LAN RJ45 ports

Adopts 2x to 3x extended Range™ and 108M Super G™ technologies Provides 64/128/152-bit WEP encryption security Supports Virtual Server, Special Application, and DMZ host Built-in firewall supporting IP address filtering, Domain Name filtering, and

MAC address filtering Supports access control, parents and network administrators can establish

restricted access policies based on time of day for children or staffs Supports Remote and Web management

5dBi Antenna

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SpecificationsElectrical Specification

Frequency Range 2400 - 24835 MHz

Impedance 50 ohm nominal

Insertion Loss -2.5dB

VSWR .2.0

Gain 5dBi (Max.)

Polarization Vertical

Radiation Omni

Electrical Wave 1/4? Dipole

Physical Properties

Connector Reverse Polarity SMA Plug

Connector Base Brass with Gold Plate

Swivel Mechanism PC/ABS, ABS

Cable RG-174 Cable

TL-WR642G - 108MBPS WIRELESS ROUTER

Specifications

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Protocol & StandardsIEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.1x, CSMA/CA, CSMA/CD, TCP/IP, DHCP, ICMP, NAT, PPPoE

PortsLAN 4 10/100M Auto MDI/MDIX RJ45 ports

WAN 1 10/100M Auto MDI/MDIX RJ45 port

Wireless Parameters

Frequency Band

2.4~2.4835GHz

Data Transfer Rates

Super G™ : 108M

11g: 54/48/36/24/18/12/9/6M (Auto-Sense)

11b: 11/5.5/3/2/1M (Auto-Sense)

Channel

1~11 (US, Canada)

1~13 (Europe)

1~14 (Japan)

Extend Frequency

DSSS

ModulationBPSK, QPSK, CCK and OFDM (BPSK/QPSK/16-QAM/ 64-QAM)

Transmission Distance

Indoor up to 100m, outdoor up to 300m (Standard transmission distance, it is limited in an environment). Indoor up to 200m, Outdoor up to 830m (Adopt 2x to 3x eXtended Range™ WLAN transmission technology, it is limited in an environment)

RF Power 18dBm (Typical)

Antenna3dBi

Dipole Antenna(detachable reverse SMA connector)

Network Media

10BASE-T: UTP category 3, 4, 5 cable (maximum 100m)EIA/TIA-568 100? STP (maximum 100m)100BASE-TX: UTP category 5, 5e cable (maximum 100m)EIA/TIA-568 100? STP (maximum 100m)

LED Indicators

Port Link/Act, Speed

Else Power, System, WLAN

PowerAC power adapter: 9V~ 0.8AConsumption: 7W (Max)

Safety & Emission FCC, CE

Dimensions (W x D x H) 7.3 in. x 5.7 in. x 1.7 in.(186 mm x 146 mm x 44 mm)

Environment Operating Temperature: 0?~40? (32?~104?);

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Storage Temperature: -40~70? (-40?~158?)Operating Humidity: 10%~90% non-condensing;Storage Humidity: 5%~95% non-condensing

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Wireless broadband is an exciting new technology enabling various fixed and mobile

applications targeting different vertical markets serving residential and enterprise user

segments. This not only creates new opportunities to serve but also places new demands

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on the networks. As service providers introduce these new technologies to offer higher

bandwidth based applications, they need a service delivery platform that supports not

only current and new requirements, but also drive new business models involving

expanded ecosystems. The advent of wireless broadband will drive convergence of

telecom world, the Internet and the IT and enabling quad play - voice, data, video and

mobility. This will force all the service providers, existing and new, to look at the

Services layer not only for revenue growth opportunities but also to differentiate and gain

competitive advantage. As many of the applications and products have shorter life cycles,

service providers have to create and maintain an ecosystem of partners who can deliver

compelling solutions across the value chain with minimum development risk and faster

market introduction with opportunities to serve different market segments with

compelling applications come different challenges. From the business side there will be

demand on managing ecosystem partners, customers and services to cater to these various

segments. From the network side there will be demand on provisioning capabilities,

flexible billing models, delivery and enablement of services and revenue assurance

mechanisms. Service providers should use the Services layer as a key control point of

their network to define the business strategy and competitive positioning in the market

place with the ability to define, create and deploy new services.

CONCLUSION

Innovative applications and services around wireless broadband technology will drive market adoption. Service providers need to look at Services layer as a key business asset to deliver carrier-grade class of services, flexible life-cycle management for new services, as well as leveraging existing assets. Wireless broadband technologies like Metro Wi-Fi, Mesh Networks and Wi-MAX bring capabilities for a wide range of fixed/mobile service providers, wireless ISPs, vertical markets and public/private safety authorities. But it is the Service layer proposition with rich content to the consumer and personalization

82

through a portfolio of end-user applications/services, rapid service creation enablement, delivery and management of services that will help service providers to differentiate in the market place and to drive revenues.

Wireless technology round

Wireless technology round

Wi-Fi (802.11b)

.

Bluetooth GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)

Wireless technology round

11 Mbps 1 Mbps 115 kbps

Wireless technology round

2 to 4 Mbps 721 kbps 42 to 84 kbps

Wireless technology round

100 meters (300 meters

Outdoors).

Depending on the variant from 6 to 100 meters

City-wide

Wireless technology round

2.4 GHz Personal Identification Number (PIN)

SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) handles a mobile station's registration and authentication into the GPRS network.

Wireless technology round

WEP (wired equivalent privacy), SSID (Service Set Identifier)

2.45 GHz GSM 900 / 1800 /1900

Wireless technology round

The wireless avatar of Ethernet, the most popular LAN protocol.

Low power consumption; supports voice.

Ubiquitous

83

P. C. MANAGEMENT

AND INDEXING

PC NO PC NAME WORKGROUP DEPT E-MAIL-ID

PC001        PC002        PC003        PC004        PC005        PC006        PC007        PC008        

84

PC009        PC010        PC011        PC012        PC013        PC014        PC015        PC016        PC017        PC018        PC019        PC020        PC021        PC022        PC023        PC024        PC025        PC026        PC027        PC028        PC029        PC030        PC031        PC032        PC033        PC034        PC035        PC036        PC037        PC038        PC039        PC040        PC041        PC042        PC043        

PC MANAGEMENT AND INDEXING

P C CODE

PC NO CPU NO HDD NO MEMORY NO MIC NO KEY BOARD NO MONITER CABINATE NO

PC001 CPU001 HDD001 RAM001 MIC001 KEY001 MON001 CAB001PC002 CPU002 HDD002 RAM002 MIC002 KEY002 MON002 CAB002PC003 CPU003 HDD003 RAM003 MIC003 KEY003 MON003 CAB003PC004 CPU004 HDD004 RAM004 MIC004 KEY004 MON004 CAB004PC005 CPU005 HDD005 RAM005 MIC005 KEY005 MON005 CAB005PC006 CPU006 HDD006 RAM006 MIC006 KEY006 MON006 CAB006PC007 CPU007 HDD007 RAM007 MIC007 KEY007 MON007 CAB007

85

PC008 CPU008 HDD008 RAM008 MIC008 KEY008 MON008 CAB008PC009 CPU009 HDD009 RAM009 MIC009 KEY009 MON009 CAB009PC010 CPU010 HDD010 RAM010 MIC010 KEY010 MON010 CAB010PC011 CPU011 HDD011 RAM011 MIC011 KEY011 MON011 CAB011PC012 CPU012 HDD012 RAM012 MIC012 KEY012 MON012 CAB012PC013 CPU013 HDD013 RAM013 MIC013 KEY013 MON013 CAB013PC014 CPU014 HDD014 RAM014 MIC014 KEY014 MON014 CAB014PC015 CPU015 HDD015 RAM015 MIC015 KEY015 MON015 CAB015PC016 CPU016 HDD016 RAM016 MIC016 KEY016 MON016 CAB016PC017 CPU017 HDD017 RAM017 MIC017 KEY017 MON017 CAB017PC018 CPU018 HDD018 RAM018 MIC018 KEY018 MON018 CAB018PC019 CPU019 HDD019 RAM019 MIC019 KEY019 MON019 CAB019PC020 CPU020 HDD020 RAM020 MIC020 KEY020 MON020 CAB020PC021 CPU021 HDD021 RAM021 MIC021 KEY021 MON021 CAB021PC022 CPU022 HDD022 RAM022 MIC022 KEY022 MON022 CAB022PC023 CPU023 HDD023 RAM023 MIC023 KEY023 MON023 CAB023PC024 CPU024 HDD024 RAM024 MIC024 KEY024 MON024 CAB024PC025 CPU025 HDD025 RAM025 MIC025 KEY025 MON025 CAB025PC026 CPU026 HDD026 RAM026 MIC026 KEY026 MON026 CAB026PC027 CPU027 HDD027 RAM027 MIC027 KEY027 MON027 CAB027PC028 CPU028 HDD028 RAM028 MIC028 KEY028 MON028 CAB028PC029 CPU029 HDD029 RAM029 MIC029 KEY029 MON029 CAB029PC030 CPU030 HDD030 RAM030 MIC030 KEY030 MON030 CAB030PC031 CPU031 HDD031 RAM031 MIC031 KEY031 MON031 CAB031PC032 CPU032 HDD032 RAM032 MIC032 KEY032 MON032 CAB032PC033 CPU033 HDD033 RAM033 MIC033 KEY033 MON033 CAB033PC034 CPU034 HDD034 RAM034 MIC034 KEY034 MON034 CAB034PC035 CPU035 HDD035 RAM035 MIC035 KEY035 MON035 CAB035PC036 CPU036 HDD036 RAM036 MIC036 KEY036 MON036 CAB036PC037 CPU037 HDD037 RAM037 MIC037 KEY037 MON037 CAB037PC038 CPU038 HDD038 RAM038 MIC038 KEY038 MON038 CAB038PC039 CPU039 HDD039 RAM039 MIC039 KEY039 MON039 CAB039PC040 CPU040 HDD040 RAM040 MIC040 KEY040 MON040 CAB040PC041 CPU041 HDD041 RAM041 MIC041 KEY041 MON041 CAB041PC042 CPU042 HDD042 RAM042 MIC042 KEY042 MON042 CAB042PC043 CPU043 HDD043 RAM043 MIC043 KEY043 MON043 CAB043

INDEXING ACCORDING TO CPU

PC NAME CPU NO MAKE TYPE SPECIFICATION  CPU001        CPU002        CPU003        CPU004        CPU005        CPU006        CPU007        CPU008      

86

  CPU009        CPU010        CPU011        CPU012        CPU013        CPU014        CPU015        CPU016        CPU017        CPU018        CPU019        CPU020        CPU021        CPU022        CPU023        CPU024        CPU025        CPU026        CPU027        CPU028        CPU029        CPU030        CPU031        CPU032        CPU033        CPU034        CPU035        CPU036        CPU037        CPU038        CPU039        CPU040        CPU041        CPU042        CPU043      

INDEXING ACCORDING TO HARD DISK

P C NAME HDD NO TYPE SPECIFICATION

  HDD001      HDD002      HDD003      HDD004      HDD005      HDD006      HDD007      HDD008      HDD009      HDD010    

87

  HDD011      HDD012      HDD013      HDD014      HDD015      HDD016      HDD017      HDD018      HDD019      HDD020      HDD021      HDD022      HDD023      HDD024      HDD025      HDD026      HDD027      HDD028      HDD029      HDD030      HDD031      HDD032      HDD033      HDD034      HDD035      HDD036      HDD037      HDD038      HDD039      HDD040      HDD041      HDD042      HDD043    

INDEXING ACCORDING TO MEMORY

PC NAME MEMORY NO TYPE SPECIFICATION  RAM001    RAM002    RAM003    RAM004    RAM005    RAM006    RAM007    RAM008    RAM009    RAM010    RAM011    RAM012  

88

  RAM013    RAM014    RAM015    RAM016    RAM017    RAM018    RAM019    RAM020    RAM021    RAM022    RAM023    RAM024    RAM025    RAM026    RAM027    RAM028    RAM029    RAM030    RAM031    RAM032    RAM033    RAM034    RAM035    RAM036    RAM037    RAM038    RAM039    RAM040    RAM041    RAM042    RAM043  

INDEXING ACCORDING TO KEYBOARD

PC NAME KEY BOARD NO MAKE MODEL NO SERIAL NO SPECIFICATION  KEY001          KEY002          KEY003          KEY004          KEY005          KEY006          KEY007          KEY008          KEY009          KEY010          KEY011          KEY012          KEY013        

89

  KEY014          KEY015          KEY016          KEY017          KEY018          KEY019          KEY020          KEY021          KEY022          KEY023          KEY024          KEY025          KEY026          KEY027          KEY028          KEY029          KEY030          KEY031          KEY032          KEY033          KEY034          KEY035          KEY036          KEY037          KEY038          KEY039          KEY040          KEY041          KEY042          KEY043        

INDEXING ACCORDING TO MONITER

PC NAME MONITER MAKE MODEL NO SERIAL NO SPECIFICATION

 MON001      

 MON002      

 MON003      

 MON004      

 MON005      

 MON006      

 MON007      

  MON00      

90

8

 MON009      

 MON010      

 MON011      

 MON012      

 MON013      

 MON014      

 MON015      

 MON016      

 MON017      

 MON018      

 MON019      

 MON020      

 MON021      

 MON022      

 MON023      

 MON024      

 MON025      

 MON026      

 MON027      

 MON028      

 MON029      

 MON030      

 MON031      

 MON032      

 MON033      

 MON034      

 MON035      

91

 MON036      

 MON037      

 MON038      

 MON039      

 MON040      

 MON041      

 MON042      

 MON043      

INDEXING ACCORDING TO MOUSE

PC NAME MIC NO MAKE MODEL NO SERIAL NO SPECIFICATION  MIC001          MIC002          MIC003          MIC004          MIC005          MIC006          MIC007          MIC008          MIC009          MIC010          MIC011          MIC012          MIC013          MIC014          MIC015          MIC016          MIC017          MIC018          MIC019          MIC020          MIC021          MIC022          MIC023          MIC024          MIC025          MIC026          MIC027          MIC028          MIC029          MIC030          MIC031        

92

  MIC032          MIC033          MIC034          MIC035          MIC036          MIC037          MIC038          MIC039          MIC040          MIC041          MIC042          MIC043        

1. What is wireless networking?

The term wireless networking refers to technology that enables two or more computers

to communicate using standard network protocols, but without network cabling. Strictly

speaking, any technology that does this could be called wireless networking. The

current buzzword however generally refers to wireless LANs. This technology, fuelled

by the emergence of cross-vendor industry standards such as IEEE 802.11, has

produced a number of affordable wireless solutions that are growing in popularity with

business and schools as well as sophisticated applications where network wiring is

impossible, such as in warehousing or point-of-sale handheld equipment.

2. What is a wireless network made up of?

There are two kinds of wireless networks:

a. An ad-hoc or peer-to-peer wireless network consists of a number of computers each

equipped with a wireless networking interface card. Each computer can

communicate directly with all of the other wireless enabled computers. They can

share files and printers this way, but may not be able to access wired LAN

resources, unless one of the computers acts as a bridge to the wired LAN using

special software. (This is called "bridging")

b. Ad-Hoc or Peer-to Peer Networking.

Each computer with a wireless interface can communicate directly with all of the

others.

93

c. A wireless network can also use an access point, or base station. In this type of

network the access point acts like a hub, providing connectivity for the wireless

computers. It can connect (or "bridge") the wireless LAN to a wired LAN, allowing

wireless computer access to LAN resources, such as file servers or existing Internet

Connectivity.

There are two types of access points:

i. Dedicated hardware access points (HAP) such as Lucent's Wave LAN, Apple's

Airport Base Station or WebGear's AviatorPRO. Hardware access points offer

comprehensive support of most wireless features, but check your requirements

carefully.

ii. Software Access Points which run on a computer equipped with a wireless network

interface card as used in an ad-hoc or peer-to-peer wireless network. The Vicomsoft

InterGate suites are software routers that can be used as a basic Software Access

Point, and include features not commonly found in hardware solutions, such as

Direct PPPoE support and extensive configuration flexibility, but may not offer the

full range of wireless features defined in the 802.11 standard.

With appropriate networking software support, users on the wireless LAN can share

files and printers located on the wired LAN and vice versa. Vicomsoft's solutions

support file sharing using TCP/IP.

Hardware Access Point.

Wireless connected computers using a Hardware Access Point.

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Software Access Point.

Wireless connected computers using a Software Access Point.

3. What is IEEE 802.11?

Wireless networking hardware requires the use of underlying technology that deals

with radio frequencies as well as data transmission. The most widely used standard

is 802.11 produced by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).

This is a standard defining all aspects of Radio Frequency Wireless networking.

4. Can I mix wireless equipment from different vendors?

Because most wireless networking hardware vendors support the 802.11 standard

they can inter operate. However, we recommend verification as the standard is a

fairly recent one, and does specify two different methods for wireless

95

communications; Frequency Hopping (FH) and Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum

(DSSS or DS), which are not interoperable.

When purchasing wireless networking hardware from separate vendors be sure to

obtain guarantees from the vendors that the hardware will interoperate and follows

the standards.

Within a short time we expect all new wireless cards, like Ethernet cards, to become

inexpensive, ubiquitous and totally interoperable.

Also of note is that the latest version of the standard defines 11mbps and 5.5mbps

networking, with support for the older standard 1mbps and 2mbps speeds. This

provides some compatibility with different or older equipment. Note that this new

standard covers DS-type Networks, not FH types.

Software access points such as InterGate which uses the wireless interface of the

host computer should have no compatibility issues with third party wireless

hardware, as long as standards are followed. Typically wireless hardware is

identified to the software as a network interface, and therefore can be used in the

same way as any other network card.

5. If my computer is connected to a wireless LAN, can it communicate with computers on a wired LAN as well?

To do this you will need some sort of bridge between the wireless and wired

network. This can be accomplished either with a hardware access point or a

software access point. Hardware access points are available with various types of

network interfaces, such as Ethernet or Token Ring, but typically require extra

hardware to be purchased if your networking requirements change.

If networking requirements go beyond just interconnecting a wired network to a

small wireless network, a software access point may be the best solution.

A software access point does not limit the type or number of network interfaces you

use. It may also allow considerable flexibility in providing access to different

network types, such as different types of Ethernet, Wireless and Token Ring

96

networks. Such connections are only limited by the number of slots or interfaces in

the computer used for this task.

Further to this the software access point may include significant additional features

such as shared Internet access, web caching or content filtering, providing

significant benefits to users and administrators.

6. What is the range of a wireless network?

Each access point has a finite range within which a wireless connection can be

maintained between the client computer and the access point. The actual distance

varies depending upon the environment; manufacturers typically state both indoor

and outdoor ranges to give a reasonable indication of reliable performance. Also it

should be noted that when operating at the limits of range the performance may

drop, as the quality of connection deteriorates and the system compensates.

Typical indoor ranges are 150-300 feet, but can be shorter if the building

construction interferes with radio transmissions. Longer ranges are possible, but

performance will degrade with distance.

Outdoor ranges are quoted up to 1000 feet, but again this depends upon the

environment.

There are ways to extend the basic operating range of Wireless communications, by

using more than a single access point or using a wireless relay /extension point.

7. How many wireless networked computers can use a single access point?

97

This depends upon the manufacturer. Some hardware access points have a

recommended limit of 10, with other more expensive access points supporting up to

100 wireless connections. Using more computers than recommended will cause

performance and reliability to suffer.

Software access points may also impose user limitations, but this depends upon the

specific software, and the host computer's ability to process the required

information.

8. Can I have more than one access point?

Yes, multiple access points can be connected to a wired LAN, or sometimes even to

a second wireless LAN if the access point supports this.

In most cases, separate access points are interconnected via a wired LAN, providing

wireless connectivity in specific areas such as offices or classrooms, but connected

to a main wired LAN for access to network resources, such as file servers.

Multiple Access Points.

Wireless connected computers using Multiple Access Points.

98

If a single area is too large to be covered by a single access point, then multiple

access points or extension points can be used. -- Note that an "extension point" is

not defined in the wireless standard, but have been developed by some

manufacturers. When using multiple access points, each access point wireless area

should overlap its neighbors. This provides a seamless area for users to move

around in using a feature called "roaming.” (See the next question for an

explanation of Roaming)

Some manufacturers produce extension points, which act as wireless relays,

extending the range of a single access point. Multiple extension points can be strung

together to provide wireless access to far away locations from the central access

point.

Extension Point.

Wireless connected computers using an Access Point with an Extension Point.

99

9. What is Roaming?

100

A wireless computer can "roam" from one access point to another, with the software

and hardware maintaining a steady network connection by monitoring the signal

strength from in-range access points and locking on to the one with the best quality.

Usually this is completely transparent to the user; they are not aware that a different

access point is being used from area to area. Some access point configurations

require security authentication when swapping access points, usually in the form of

a password dialog box.

Access points are required to have overlapping wireless areas to achieve this as can

be seen in the following diagram:

Roaming.

A user can move from Area 1 to Area 2 transparently. The Wireless networking

hardware automatically swaps to the Access Point with the best signal.

Not all access points are capable of being configured to support roaming. Also of

note is that any access points for a single vendor should be used when

implementing roaming, as there is no official standard for this feature.

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10.Can I use a wireless network to interconnect two LANs?

Yes. Wireless networking offers a cost-effective solution to users with difficult

physical installations such as campuses, hospitals or businesses with more than one

location in immediate proximity but separated by public thoroughfare. This type of

installation requires two access points. Each access point acts as a bridge or router

connecting its own LAN to the wireless connection. The wireless connection allows

the two access points to communicate with each other, and therefore interconnect

the two LAN's.

LAN to LAN Wireless Communications

A Hardware Access Point providing wireless connectivity to local computers and a

software access point. The software access point provides Wired Ethernet network

2 computers access to Wired Network 1.

Note that not all hardware access points have the ability to directly interconnect to

another hardware access point, and that the subject of interconnecting LAN's over

wireless connections is a large and complex one, and is beyond the scope of this

introduction.

11.Is it true that wireless networking is only good for laptop computers?

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Although wireless networking offers obvious benefits to users of laptops who move

from location to location throughout the day, there are benefits for users of fixed

position computers as well:

Many schools and businesses have unsuitable building layouts or walls that cannot

be wired for various reasons making it difficult or impossible to build a wired

network. Wireless networking in these environments is a very cost effective

alternative also providing future flexibility.

In cases where a small number of computers are separated from a main network a

wireless link may be more cost effective than network cabling although the latter is

perfectly feasible.

Temporary wireless LANs can easily be created for exhibitions, school or business

projects, all without any trailing cabling.

12. What about security?

Wireless communications obviously provide potential security issues, as an intruder

does not need physical access to the traditional wired network in order to gain

access to data communications. However, 802.11 wireless communications cannot

be received --much less decoded-- by simple scanners, short wave receivers etc.

This has led to the common misconception that wireless communications cannot be

eavesdropped at all. However, eavesdropping is possible using specialist

equipment.

To protect against any potential security issues, 802.11 wireless communications

have a function called WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), a form of encryption

which provides privacy comparable to that of a traditional wired network. If the

wireless network has information that should be secure then WEP should be used,

ensuring the data is protected at traditional wired network levels.

Also it should be noted that traditional Virtual Private Networking (VPN)

techniques will work over wireless networks in the same way as traditional wired

networks.

13.How can I use a wireless network to share an Internet connection?

103

Once you realise that wireless cards are analogous to ethernet cards and that empty

space is analogous to ethernet cabling, the answer to this question becomes clear.

To share an Internet connection across a LAN you need two things:

An Internet sharing hardware device or software program

A LAN

If your LAN is wireless, the same criteria apply. You need a hardware or software

access point and a wireless LAN. Any computer equipped with a wireless network

card running suitable Internet sharing software can be used as a software access

point.

A hardware access point may provide Internet Sharing capabilities to Wired LAN

computers, but does not usually provide much flexibility beyond very simple

configurations.

Software Access Point.

Wireless connected computers using a Software Access Point for shared Internet

access.

Hardware Access Point.

Wireless connected computers using a Hardware Access Point for shared Internet access.

104

14. If I have more than one hardware access point, how can I share a single Internet connection?

If an existing wired LAN already has an Internet connection, then the hardware

access points simply connect to your LAN and allow wireless computers to access

the existing Internet connection in the same way as wired LAN computers.

Multiple Access Points.

Wireless connected computers using Multiple Access Points.

If there is no existing Internet connection, then this depends on the access point:

105

Software Access Point sharing one Internet connection.

Wireless connected computers using Multiple Access Points. All wired and wireless

computers access the Internet through a single software access point.

If an access point provides some form of Internet sharing itself, then having

multiple such access points connected to a wired LAN may require some special

configuration, or possibly may require an additional Internet sharing device or

software program.

15.If I use a wireless network to connect to the Internet does my ISP need a wireless network too?

If you use a wireless network to connect to the Internet, the wireless part only

concerns your LAN. The communications link from your LAN to your Internet

service provider (ISP) would be identical whether or not you had a wireless

network. For example, if you connected an Ethernet network to the Internet via a

56K modem, when you upgraded your network to use wireless, you would still use

the same 56K modem to connect to the Internet.

16.Can networking software identify a wireless computer in the same way it can identify an Ethernet computer on the network?

Wireless cards look just like Ethernet cards to your network drivers. In fact,

wireless networking cards have unique MAC hardware addresses that are formatted

like Ethernet hardware addresses allocated from the same standards organization.

106

BIBLOGRAPHY

WEB SITES:-

1. www.pronet.com 2. www.cisco.com 3. www.dlink.com 4. www.linksys.com 5. www.wikipedia.com 6. www.google.com

Books:-

1. COMPUTER NETWORKING BY FROZEN 2. COMPUTER NETWORKING BY TENEN BUM3. COMPUTER NETWORK ELEMENTS BY R.P.GUPTA 4. WIRELESS NETWORKING BY C.P. PANDAY

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