Wireless Network Technology

Introduction Network connectivity is critical for the access of information, but networks today can be built with connections that differ from the traditional hard-wired LANs and dial-up phone connections. Consider the following scenarios. You are a network administrator and you need to connect two buildings across a public road, and it is not feasible to use a direct cable connection. Under what circumstances would you use one of the wireless technologies in solving this problem? You work for a large interstate trucking company and management needs a technology solution to maintaining constant contact with the companys fleet of trucks. What wireless technology would you recommend to management? You work for a computer consultant firm that has a new restaurant as a client. The owners want to provide the waiters in their restaurant with palm-top computers and a wireless link so orders can be immediately transmitted to the kitchen. What kind of wireless network would you recommend they implement in their restaurant? These questions are what this paper is about, how do wireless networks work? To answer these questions, this paper will describe the wireless network technology; its transmission methods, how to make the wireless connection, and wireless network design considerations. It will look at wireless applications with these case problems in mind and discuss when wireless is appropriate and when it is not. Transmission Methods Wireless methods do not use electrical (cables) or optical (fiber optics) conductors. It uses the earths electromagnetic frequency spectrum. [2] There are three main types of wireless media: radio wave, microwave, and infrared. Radio wave transmission systems

The range of the electromagnetic spectrum between 10 KHz and 1 GHz is called radio frequency (RF). Radio waves include; short wave, very-high-frequency (VHF) television and FM radio, and ultra-highfrequency (UHF) radio and television. Most radio frequencies are regulated and to use these frequencies you must receive a license from the Federal Communications Commission. Getting this license can take some time, cost is also a factor and it makes it hard to move equipment. However, the license does guarantee that within your approved area you will have a clear radio transmission. There are also unregulated frequencies available for use and there is few restriction placed on these frequencies. Usually the equipment that operates in these unregulated frequencies is limited to 1 watt of power. This is to limit the range of the equipment and thereby reducing the interference with other signals. Because unregulated frequencies are available for use by the general public, you cannot be guaranteed a clear communication channel. [1] Radio signals are transmitted either by directional or omnidirectional broadcasts. The power of the RF signal depends on the type of antenna and the transceiver used. For computer network employment, radio waves fall into three classes: 1. Low-power, single-frequency, which has a limited range around 20 to 30 meters. Low-frequency radio waves can penetrate some materials; the low-power limits them to shorter distances and open environments. 2. High-power, single-frequency can be used to cover longer distances in outdoor environments. 3. Spread-spectrum use the same frequencies as the other radio frequencies transmissions, but use several frequencies simultaneously rather than a single frequency. They operate at a low power. Figure 1. Low-power, single-frequency has the following attributes. [1]
Frequency range Cost Can use any radio frequency, higher GHz provide better data rates Moderately priced compared to other wireless systems

Installation

Easy, if antenna and equipment are reconfigured

Bandwidth capacity 1 to 10 Mbps Node capacity Attenuation EMI Same limitations as an Ethernet network Suffer from attenuation because of their low power Resistance to EMI is low

Figure 2. High-power, Single-frequency has the following attributes. [1]

Frequency range Cost Installation Can use any radio frequency, higher GHz provide better data rates Moderate to very expensive Complex installations, requires skilled technicians

Bandwidth capacity 1 to 10 Mbps Node capacity Attenuation EMI Same limitations as an Ethernet network High-power improves resistance to attentions Resistance to EMI is low, Vulnerable to eavesdropping

Figure 3. Spread-Spectrum transceivers have the following attributes. [1]

Frequency range Cost Installation Usually in the unregulated frequencies ranges 902 to 928 MHz or 2.4 GHz Moderately priced compared to other wireless systems Equipment dependent, from easy to complex

Bandwidth capacity 2 to 6 Mbps Node capacity Same limitations as an Ethernet network

Attenuation EMI

Suffer from attenuation because of their low power Resistance to EMI is low, Vulnerability to eavesdropping is low because of multiple frequencies

Microwave Transmission Systems Microwave communications makes use of the lower gigahertz frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum. These frequencies are higher than radio frequencies and produce better throughput and performance. There are two types of microwave data communications: terrestrial and satellite. Terrestrial microwave systems use directional antennas to send and receive signals. These signals are highly focused and are transmitted in a line-of-sight path. These systems are usually used when the cost of cabling is too expensive. Figure 4. Terrestrial microwave systems have the following attributes. [1]
Frequency range Cost Installation Low GHz between 4 to 6 or 21 to 23 GHz Moderately to high Moderately difficult

Bandwidth capacity 1 to 10 Mbps Node capacity Attenuation EMI 2 (sender and receiver) Depends on atmospheric conditions Poor

Satellite microwave systems transmit signals between antennas, however one of the antennas is on a satellite in geosynchronous orbit about 23,000 miles above the Earth. Because of this, satellite microwave can reach the most remote places on earth and communicate with mobile devices. Figure 5. Satellite microwave systems have the following attributes. [1]

Frequency range Cost Installation

Low GHz between 11 to 14 GHz High Difficult

Bandwidth capacity 1 to 10 Mbps Node capacity Attenuation EMI 2 (sender and receiver) Depends on atmospheric conditions Poor

Infrared Transmission Systems Infrared media uses infrared light to transmit signals. LEDs or Lasers transmit the signals and photodiodes receive the signals. Examples of these devices are the remote controls we have for our TVs and VCRs. They use the infrared technology to send and receive signals. Infrared signals transmit in the terahertz range. This higher frequency has a good throughput, the down side is the signals cannot penetrate walls or other objects. Also, they are diluted by any strong light source. There are two methods of transmission for computer network applications. Point-to-Point, where infrared light is transmitted in a line-of-sight, and Broadcast, where the transmission is omnidirectional, allowing it to reflect off walls and ceilings. Point-toPoint allows for better data transmission, however equipment must remain in their locations. Broadcast allows for more flexibility, but with a loss in data rates. The signal weakens with each reflection. One advantage with infrared systems is they dont require a FCC license. Infrared Lasers can transmit line-onsight for several thousand meters, however they can cause eye damage if not used properly. Figure 6. Point-to-Point infrared systems have the following attributes. [1]
Frequency range Lowest light frequency 100GHz to 1000 THz

Cost Installation

Depends on equipment, Laser are expensive, others adapted from consumer marker are inexpensive Requires precise alignment

Bandwidth capacity 100 Kbps to 16 Mbps Node capacity Attenuation EMI Application dependent Depends on quality of light source Affected by intense light

Figure 7. Broadcast infrared systems have the following attributes. [1]

Frequency rangeCost Installation Bandwidth capacity Node capacity Attenuation EMI

Depends on equipment, Laser are expensive, others adapted from consumer marker are inexpensive Fairly simple Less than 1 Mbps Application dependent Depends on quality of light source Affected by intense light, more easily intercepted

Making the Wireless Connection In general, wireless connections are the same as wired connections. Applications, workstation operating systems, network operating systems, and client/server applications work just as they do on wired networks. [2] The difference is the speed of the signal transmissions on the different type of connections. Most network situations the speed wont be noticeable because the network will operate at the speed of the slowest component. This is usually the personal

computer equipment, which cannot drive transmission rates much higher than 1 Mbps. [2] As in wired networks, the wireless network is only as good as the software. Therefore, you must insure you have compatible software for your wireless connections. Generally, most wireless products are intended for Ethernet. They will work with other environments, but it is important to be aware of any underlying limitations of the network operating system. The requirements are actually minimal if you are substituting wireless for a traditional wired LAN. You will need device drivers, and software to optimize the connections in terms of bandwidth or transmission speed. This software is normally a part of the wireless kit. Wireless does not replace wired communications; it does offer additional choices where service could not otherwise be provided. For the most part, infrared is less expensive and designed for workgroup connectivity for short distances within a small space. Radio frequency is more appropriate to connect a wider area separated by partitions and support multiple cells or roaming. Figure 8. Wireless Technology Choices [2]
Technology Infrared Usefulness Conference Rooms LAN extensions Upload/Download Point-to-point Radio Frequency LAN extensions Upload/Download Roaming Point-to-point Restrictions Line-of-sight Short Distance Requires utility software Signal fade Overlapping Cells Requires utility software Many cells required Distance

Wireless Network Design Considerations

The main design concerns are; understanding who will use the network, what load each user will place on the network, what access devices each user will require, and how growth and organizational change will strain the network resources. Users needs are also important in that they help to forecast the networks purpose. In an office environment wireless networks are best suited for occasional file transfers, electronic mail, and light use. It is also great for mobile or occasional use. The designers should know the type of traffic the network will accommodate, the distances between areas that need serviced, and the total load to be placed on the network, this will help in determining the suitability of using the right technology. Other considerations should include the network size, the community size, security concerns, reliability, overlapping cells, and roaming range. Also, physical plant limitations can be overcome by wireless technology. Older buildings, unplanned sprawling complexes, and high rise buildings can have network requirements that sometimes look very discouraging. Wireless can resolve many problems where network wiring is inaccessible. From a business perspective alternatives should be considered for their cost and performance factors. Many times the installation of a wireless connection will have a large start up cost. Wired networks can typically be cheaper, faster, more secure, and reliable. On the other hand, a wireless network can match the performance of the wired network. The initial acquisition cost can be more expensive for a wireless connection, however the lifetime cost are a relevant factor in the decision to go wireless. For example, a microwave transmitter and antenna can be an expensive purchase, however the cost of leasing a dedicated T-1 communications line is also expensive. In many cases the microwave connection can pay for itself in about a years worth of T-1 line rental. These considerations are important for the designer because they help in determining the appropriateness of using wireless technology. Wireless Applications Examples of Wireless Applications Lets now consider the scenarios from the introduction to discuss wireless applications. The first was the need to connect two buildings across a public road, and it was not feasible to use a direct cable connection. Under what circumstances would you use one of the three wireless technologies in solving this problem? Radio frequency

(RF) makes the most economic and functional sense in connecting buildings across the street when there is a reason that precludes laying a fiber link. Before determining the type of radio frequency technology required you need to consider the distances involved and the number of point in which connectivity is required. Short-range point-to-point RF wireless link will support distances from 30 to 300 meters and can be as simple as attaching an antenna to a window. Longer ranges would require a microwave bandwidth with antenna to increase the range. Installation is more complex, because alignment and placement is critical. If multidrop point-to-point connectivity is required, the main antenna is fairly large and the drop sights would only require smaller antennae. Bank automated teller machines are an example of a multidrop point-to-point system. The second scenario was an interstate trucking company requirement to maintain constant contact with the companys fleet of trucks. What wireless technology would you recommend to management? Satellite communications through the global locationing systems (GLS) would be a solution for this problem. GLS is an active system, and the GLS antenna is mounted on a vehicle. The transmitter on the vehicle broadcasts a signal that is received at reception towers and converted into a direction, which can be sent to a central station. Where towers are not present a satellite antenna can be mounted on the vehicle and an uplink to a satellite which will then transmit a downlink to the central station. Sandia National Labs has conducted studies in this technology. [3] The third scenario is a new restaurant whos owners want to provide the waiters in their restaurant with palm-top computers and a wireless link so orders can be immediately transmitted to the kitchen. What kind of wireless network would you recommend they implement in their restaurant? A hand held palm-top computer, which comes with an infrared device, would be an ideal solution for this problem. These are available for around $300 each and have the infrared capability built in. They would require an IR capable device to receive the transmission located through out the restaurant as the transmission range for the palm-computer is only about 2 to 3 meters. [4]

Unsuitable Wireless Applications Wireless is not for every circumstances or application. It is not for the power user who requires large amount of bandwidth or network speeds over 4 Mbps. [2] If performance is an issue, most wireless networks will not be able to provide the range and bandwidth comparable to a wired network. It is also not suitable for a complete conversion of wired desktop to a wireless environment. If the network is already in place wireless can supplement it rather than replace it. Wireless may not be suitable for security reasons unless encryption methods are implemented. Areas that have high-frequency equipment or other equipment that might distort radio frequency signals may not be suitable for a wireless network. Airborne particles and high light environments will diffuse infrared signals. Also, objects in the line of sight will prevent infrared signals from getting through. Basically, wireless is not a replacement for wired networks, but rather a supplement for special needs, environments, or situations. Summary In this paper we discovered how wireless networks work. This included a look at the wireless network technology; its transmission methods, how to make the wireless connection, and wireless network design considerations. We then looked at wireless applications with several case problems, which gave example applications for each type of wireless technology. And concluded with a discussion of when wireless is unsuitable. References [1] Chellis, James; Perkins, Charles; and Strebe, Mathew, Networking Essentials, Study Guide, 2nd Edition, Sybex Network Press, Alameda, CA. [2] Nemzow, Martin, Implementing Wireless Networks, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY. [3] Cooperative Monitoring Center Web Site, Sandia National Laboratory, March 1999. http://www.cmc.sandia.gov/

[4] Palm Computing Web Site, 3Com Corporation, March 1999. http://www.palm.com/home.html

Copyright 2000 Kemit S. Grafton. All rights reserved.