WLAN Functions

WLAN technology has two functions. First, WLAN can take the place of a traditional wired network. Second, WLAN can extend the reach and capabilities of a traditional wired network. Much like wired LANs, in-building WLAN equipment consists of a PC Card (PCMCIA), a personal computer interface (PCI) or industry-standard architecture (ISA) client adapters, and APs. APs perform functions similar to wired networking hubs. WLANs are also similar to wired LANs for small or temporary installations. A WLAN can be arranged in a peer-to-peer or ad hoc topology using only client adapters. For added functionality and range, access points can be incorporated to act as the center of a star topology and function as a bridge to an Ethernet network.

AD-HOC

Ad-Hoc is peer to peer networking i.e. The Wireless PCs connect to each other rather than to a central access point, for example, PC1 connects to PC2, and PC2 connects to PC3 etc. Great for setting up a quick wireless LAN to share some files with others, but on the downside it gets very difficult to manage and throughput becomes worse and worse as the number of wireless devices increases. It's also very difficult to bridge to the wired LAN this way and/or set up Internet Sharing with more than one other wireless PC. Infrastructure Infrastructure is the most common form of Wireless Networking where all of the PCs connect to a central Access Point.

SSID (Service Set Identifier)

Also sometimes called BSSID and ESSID depending on what particular Network subset it is identifying, but for us laymen we'll just ignore all that and assume they all mean the same thing. Basically, Wireless Access Points and Routers have a name that they broadcast out by default so that wireless devices can identify them in order to know what or who they're connecting to. Example: Let's say a product's SSID is "Netgear WAP". The Access point will Broadcast its name every few seconds saying something in computer-speak like "Hi, my name is Netgear WAP. To connect to me, please ask for Netgear WAP." All Wireless Routers and WAPs have a default SSID (and it isn't hard to find out what they are, even with a quick Google) so it's generally recommended that you at least change the SSID to something else. Even better is to disable the SSID broadcast if you can. Of course, this means creating a profile in your PC's Wireless configuration utility specifying the SSID, but the advantage in doing this is that it makes it that much harder for an unauthorized person to connect to your Wireless network. The theory being, if they don't know what the name is, they can't configure their Wireless configuration utilities to connect to it. However, it's not regarded as a proper security precaution as a hardened cracker may be able to capture this information (eventually) from the signals your Wireless PC sends out while looking for the WAP or Router, or use the rogue Access Point method to get one of your PCs to connect to it and give away the information.

Wireless Configuration Utility

A wireless configuration utility is an application that runs on your Wireless PC that is used to scan for WAPs to connect to and to configure the wireless security settings. Most utilities have the ability to create "Wireless Profiles" so you don't have to go through configuring all of the Security and Network information each time you reboot the PC. WAP- Wireless Access Point. Data api return A WAP is to wireless PCs what a switch is to cabled PCs. All it does is provide a central point for the Wireless PCs to connect to, and allow for Wireless Security methods like WEP or WPA to be controlled from. They do NOT connect to an ISP, share an Internet connection or provide any form of Internet security (Firewall).

Wireless Router

A Wireless Router is a Router with a WAP built into it, and I'm yet to see one that doesn't also have a built-in 4 port switch so they more or less combine the three devices in the image above into one. Some also have built-in modems to provide even more cost and space savings. Where someone might prefer to keep these devices separate is for larger Networks or where there are certain desired features only available in one product that doesn't come with the other options. router

Wireless Bridge

A Wireless bridge connects two points together wirelessly instead of using a cable. The bridge can be plugged either directly into a Network Card in a PC or into a hub or switch and it will function just the same. Bridge The Bridge is generally configured via your Web Browser (the same as a Router) or using a software tool that the manufacturer provides. Usually, they require specifying the MAC Address of the bridge that they'll be connecting to and have security options like WEP available. Many WAPs and devices sold as bridges can function in several modes Bridge to Bridge (As shown in the image above) Bridge to multi-point (Same as above just with several bridges connecting together) Repeater (the 2nd bridge can function as a bridge [receiver] and Access Point at the same time).

Wireless PCMCIA Card

A Wireless PCMCIA Card goes into the PCMCIA (aka Card Bus) slot of a Laptop PC and allows it to connect to a Wireless Access Point or Wireless Router. network card Lab Assignment

Describe in detail your home wireless network architecture with respect to each of the elements above. Make sure you include all devices that make-up your wireless network. Feel free to include screenshots.