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Telecom Business Review | Monday, June 28, 2021
The wireless network is a computer network that uses Radio Frequency (RF) connections between nodes in the network.
FREMONT, CA: Businesses generally use wireless networks within a single building or as a building-to-building connection, usually as an extension to a wired network.
Wireless network components
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Wireless local area networks (WLANs) employ the same basic structure of components as the traditional Ethernet-wired networks. Still, WLANs use infrared or radio frequency technology instead of cables to transmit data around the network.
Businesses generally use wireless networks within a single building or as a building-to-building connection, usually as an extension to a wired network.
What are the major components of a wireless network?
The physical WLAN architecture is quite simple. The basic components of WLAN are typical:
• wireless access points
• NICs(network interface cards) or client adaptors
You can employ other components, such as wireless bridges and repeaters, to extend the reach of your network.
Wireless access points
A central access point is the wireless equivalent of a LAN hub. A small box (about one or more aerials) employs a connector to join it to the rest of your wired LAN.
Access points accept and transmit data from and to all the wireless devices in their area.
They can manage many different connections between devices, all talking to each other simultaneously, but the more devices you have functioned with an access point, the flatter they will operate.
Based on its range and the composition of any walls or floors between the access point and the wireless network card, you may need more than one access point to cover a building.
Wireless network interface card (NIC)
The network interface card(NICs) acts as the radio receiver and transmitter for a specific computer and connects it to the WLAN. It is connected with the device operating system through a software driver. Several modern laptops or tablets have this Wi-Fi capability built-in, but with aged desktop PCs, you may require to install one.
Most wireless network cards are attached to an access point. Nevertheless, some NICs can allow a peer-to-peer connection - i.e., they can talk to other compatible network cards within its range. This may be beneficial for small roaming workgroups of devices that do not need access to the LAN backbone.
Wireless range extenders
Wireless repeaters can enhance or extend the coverage of your network. They work by receiving your present Wi-Fi signal and broadcasting your requests and responses between your device and your central Wi-Fi router/access point. With a repeater, you can efficiently double the range of your WLAN.
Most WLANs are installed through access points that have omnidirectional aerials or antennae. These transmit wireless signals in every direction, unlike directional antennae, which generate a more concentrated signal focused on a narrower area. Based on the type of signal you need, replacing the antenna of your wireless access point may give you a better range.
Wireless bridges allow high-speed, long-range outdoor links between buildings. Their range is generally up to 25 miles. They are contingent on line-of-sight, so physical obstacles such as railroads or bodies of water normally do not affect them.
How to set up your WLAN?
The different components are required to be compatible for the WLAN to function correctly. This is possible since they comply with a set of wireless networking standards that enable devices from different manufacturers to work together.
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