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T215A Session 3 Revision Notes

The document provides an overview of Wireless LAN (WLAN) fundamentals, including the advantages of using radio waves for connectivity, the regulation of radio spectrum, and Wi-Fi standards defined by IEEE. It covers key concepts such as frequency bands, network configurations, access control methods, data segmentation, and MAC addressing. Additionally, it offers exam tips highlighting important aspects of Wi-Fi technology.

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5 views2 pages

T215A Session 3 Revision Notes

The document provides an overview of Wireless LAN (WLAN) fundamentals, including the advantages of using radio waves for connectivity, the regulation of radio spectrum, and Wi-Fi standards defined by IEEE. It covers key concepts such as frequency bands, network configurations, access control methods, data segmentation, and MAC addressing. Additionally, it offers exam tips highlighting important aspects of Wi-Fi technology.

Uploaded by

nafiahkashaf
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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T215A – Session 3 Revision Notes

Wi-Fi and Wireless LANs

1) Wireless LAN (WLAN) Basics


A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) connects devices using radio waves instead of cables.
Advantages: Mobility, flexibility, lower cost, quick installation.

2) Wireless Communication Fundamentals


Radio waves are electromagnetic waves (3 Hz – 300 GHz).
Higher frequency = Higher data rate but shorter range.
Bandwidth = Range of frequencies / maximum data rate.
Attenuation = Signal weakens with distance.
Multipath fading = Signal reflection causes interference.
Modulation = Placing data onto a carrier wave.

3) Regulation of Radio Spectrum


Radio spectrum is limited.
ITU allocates global frequency bands.
Wi-Fi uses ISM bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

4) Wi-Fi Standards
Defined by IEEE.
IEEE 802.11 = Wireless LAN.
IEEE 802.3 = Wired Ethernet.
Standards ensure interoperability.

5) Wi-Fi Frequency Bands & Channels


2.4 GHz band: Only 3 non-overlapping channels.
Guard band: 5 MHz separation prevents interference.
5 GHz band: More channels, less interference, higher speed.

6) Wireless Network Configurations


Ad hoc: Peer-to-peer, no AP.
Infrastructure: Uses Access Point (AP) connected to router/Internet.

7) Access Control in Wi-Fi


CSMA/CD (Wired) – Collision Detection.
CSMA/CA (Wireless) – Collision Avoidance with backoff and ACK.
Hidden node problem solved using RTS/CTS.

8) Data Segmentation
Data is divided into small segments.
Improves fairness and reliability.
Encapsulation adds headers and addressing information.

9) TCP/IP Terminology
PDU – Data unit at any layer.
Segment – Transport layer.
Packet – Internet layer.
Frame – Network access layer.

10) 802.11 Frame Types


Data frames – Carry user data.
Management frames – Manage connection.
Control frames – Assist data delivery (RTS, CTS, ACK).

11) MAC Addressing


Each device has a MAC address.
Wireless frames may include source, destination, BSSID, and AP addresses.

Exam Tips:
2.4 GHz → 3 non-overlapping channels.
5 GHz → More channels, less interference.
Wi-Fi uses CSMA/CA.
Segmentation improves reliability.

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