Seminar Report

5th SEMESTER SEMINAR REPORT
WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORKS (WLAN)
Guide : Ms Divya D. Soham Sahabhaumik 5th Sem, Section B USN - 1PI09EC104
CONTENTS
Introduction Basic Architecture of WLAN WLAN Transmission Technology Encryption Techniques Types of Wireless Local Area Networks IEEE 802.11 Advantages and Disadvantages of WLAN
INTRODUCTION
Wireless communications can be separated into three major categories. They are as follows : Wide Area Networks (WAN) Local Area Networks (LAN), and Personal Area Networks (PAN) Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) are the wireless networks that cover areas not more than a few hundred square meters at the most. They are based on the IEEE 802.11 network protocols. A wireless local area network (WLAN) links two or more devices using some wireless distribution method usually providing a connection through an access point to the wider internet. This gives users the mobility to move around within a local coverage area and still be connected to the network. It enables us to connect computers and other peripherals in areas where wired connections are not possible and also access the internet wirelessly. WLAN is marketed under the brand name Wi-fi which stands for Wireless Fidelity
BASIC ARCHITECTURE OF WLAN

The basic architecture of a WLAN consists of the following components : 1. Stations : All components that can connect into a wireless medium in a network are referred to as stations. 2. Basic Service Set (BSS) : The basic service set (BSS) is a set of all stations that can communicate with each other. 3. Extended Service Set (ESS) : An extended service set (ESS) is a set of connected BSSs. 4. Distribution System : A distribution system (DS) connects access points in an extended service set.
WLAN TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGY

A wireless network uses radio waves like cell phones, televisions and radios. The simplest form of how internet is accesses via WLAN can be described as follows : 1. A computers wireless adapter translates data into a radio signal and transmits it using an antenna. 2. A wireless router receives the signal and decodes it. The router sends the information to the internet using a physical, wired connection. 3. The router receives some information from the internet in response. It translates it into a radio signal and sends it to the computers wireless adapter which again translates it back to data. The main transmission technology for WLAN is spread spectrum and infrared. Frequency Hopping (FHSS) and Direct Sequence (DSSS) modulation are the two methods used by spread spectrum transmission. Frequency Hopping : The Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum is analogous to FM radio transmission. The data signal is superimposed on a narrow band carrier that can change its frequency. Direct Sequence Modulation : This method uses a wide frequency band together with Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). Signals from different units are transmitted at a given frequency range.
ENCRYPTION TECHNIQUES
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) : It is a weak security algorithm for IEEE 802.11 wireless networks. Introduced as part of the original 802.11 standard ratified in September 1999, its intention was to provide data confidentiality comparable to that of a traditional wired network. Wi-fi Protected Access : This is a security protocol and security certification program developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance to secure wireless computer networks. The Alliance defined it in response to serious
weaknesses researchers had found in the previous system, WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy).
TYPES OF WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORKS

Peer-to-peer or Ad-hoc Network: A peer-to-peer (P2P) network allows wireless devices to directly communicate with each other. Wireless devices within range of each other can discover and communicate directly without involving central access points. This method is typically used by two computers so that they can connect to each other to form a network. Bridge : A bridge can be used to connect networks, typically of different types. A wireless Ethernet bridge allows the connection of devices on a wired Ethernet network to a wireless network. The bridge acts as the connection point to the Wireless LAN. Wireless Distribution System : A Wireless Distribution System enables the wireless interconnection of access points in an IEEE 802.11 network. It allows a wireless network to be expanded using multiple access points without the need for a wired backbone to link them, as is traditionally required. WDS requires that every base station be configured to forward to others in the system.
IEEE 802.11
IEEE 802.11 is a set of standards for implementing wireless local area network (WLAN) computer communication in the 2.4, 3.6 and 5 GHz frequency bands. They are created and maintained by the IEEE LAN/MAN Standards Committee (IEEE 802).
The 802.11 family consists of a series of over-the-air modulation techniques that use the same basic protocol. These standards provide the basis for wireless network products using the Wi-Fi brand name.
ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS OF WLAN :

Advantages : WLAN provides connectivity in regions where wired connections are not feasible. When connected to a WLAN network, the user has some amount of mobility which is not possible in case of Wired LANs. WLAN allows easy connection for subsequent users without the hassles of wiring problems found in Wired LANs.
Disadvantages : WLAN networks have limited range. Hence a user has to be within a certain radius to be connected to a WLAN network. WLAN networks have data security risks. The security protocols used cannot better the security that a Wired LAN provides. WLAN networks transmit and receive via the medium of air, and are hence susceptible to interference from other signals.
CONCLUSION :
WLAN or more commonly, Wi-fi is a very widespread technology that we use in our daily lives. But, in general, very few of us actually know how it works, the technology it uses and the various aspects associated with it. Through this seminar, it is my intention to gain more knowledge about this form of technology and also to understand the data modulation techniques associated with it. However, WLAN is a very vast field, and I know it wont be possible for me to cover all its aspects in this seminar. Hence I intend to make the best possible use of this opportunity and glean as much knowledge as possible.
Soham Sahabhaumik USN 1PI09EC104 5th Sem , Section - B

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5th SEMESTER SEMINAR REPORT

WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORKS (WLAN)

Guide : Ms Divya D. Soham Sahabhaumik 5th Sem, Section B USN - 1PI09EC104

BASIC ARCHITECTURE OF WLAN

WLAN TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGY

TYPES OF WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORKS

ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS OF WLAN :

Soham Sahabhaumik USN 1PI09EC104 5th Sem , Section - B

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