Would you help me with : 1.Identify the materials/equipment/components needed to

Question

Would you help me with :

1.Identify the materials/equipment/components needed to configure a wireless LAN

2.Prepare a formal document explaining to management how the LAN will be configured and implemented

Complete the following: You are a network administrator for a small company with 25 employees. Your supervisor is contemplating on adding a wireless (802.11) network to the existing Local Area Network (LAN). He would like all employees to be able to connect wirelessly to the network using laptops. Besides the purchase of the laptops, what else needs to be purchased to create a wireless network? Please explain to him in a way that he would understand how you will setup the wireless network after purchasing the materials. Also, explain to your supervisor the advantages and disadvantages of using 802.11 technology. Be sure to discuss the components of a Wireless Network. Please feel free to include network diagrams in your design.

Explanation / Answer

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Components needed to configure a wireless LAN

1) Radio NICs

It operates within the computer device and provides wireless connectivity. A wireless LAN radio NIC, sometimes referred to as a radio card, often implements the 802.11 standard. It implements one particular physical layer, such as 802.11a or 802.11b.

2) Access Points

An access point contains a radio card that communicates with individual user devices on the wireless LAN. System software within the access point bridges together the wireless LAN and distribution sides of the access point. The system software differentiates access points by providing varying degrees of management, installation, and security functions.

3) Routers

a router transfers packets between networks. The router chooses the next best link to send packets on to get closer to the destination. A wireless LAN router adds a built-in access point function to a multiport Ethernet router. This combines multiple Ethernet networks with wireless connections.

4) Repeaters

Wireless repeaters are a way to extend the range of an existing wireless LAN instead of adding more access points.

5) Internet Connection Through Modem

Router creates network between computers, and modem connects that computers and network to the internet.

Configuring Wireless LAN

Step 1:

Understand a wireless Internet or Wi-Fi connection. This connection works by connecting the wireless network ready or Wi-Fi ready equipment such as laptops, PDAs, or computers to a wireless router and the router to an Internet modem.

step 2:

Make sure that an Internet connection is available. Check Internet access, settings and the connection to your modem. Consult the documentation that accompanies the modem.

step 3:

Connect the wireless router to the modem. A wide selection of diverse brands and models of routers are available and may have differing methods of connecting to a modem. Normally, a cable will be required to connect the modem to the wireless router through a port, labeled Internet, WAN or WLAN.

step 4:

Configure the wireless router by following the User’s Manual. Plug the router into one of the computers to configure it. Temporarily use a modem cable to connect the router to the computer. Three things will be needed to be configured: a) the wireless network name also known as SSID, b) the wireless encryption (WEP) or Wi-Fi protected Access (WPA) or password of the wireless network and c) the administrative password that will be used to adjust and secure the network and router settings. Save the settings and unplug the router from the computer.

step 5:

Connect your computers to the wireless network and Internet. New computer and laptop models have a built-in wireless network support and would automatically detect an existing wireless network.

Advantages of 802.11 Technology:

1) Mobility

     With a laptop or mobile device, access can be available throughout local area like a school, at the mall and train etc.

2) Fast setup

If your computer has a wireless adapter, locating a wireless network can be as simple as clicking “Connect to a Network”, Sometimes you will connect automatically to networks within range.

3) Cost

Setting up a wireless network can be much more cost effective than buying and installing cables.

So it is the cost effective solution to provide internet in local area.

4) Expandability

Ofcourse we can add new connections s long as we do not exceed the maximum number of devices.Adding new computers to a wireless network is as easy as turning the computer on

Disadvantages of 802.11 Technology:

1) Security

It should always enable WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) or WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) which will improve security because wireless networks are much more susceptible to unauthorized use.

2) Interference

Because wireless networks use radio signals, so susceptible to interference from lights and electronic devices which use same.

3) Inconsistent Connections

Because of the interference caused by electrical devices and items blocking the path of transmission, wireless connections are not nearly as stable as those through a dedicated cable.

4) Power Consumption

The wireless transmitter in a laptop requires a significant amount of power; therefore, the battery life of laptops can be adversely decreased.

5) Speed

It is not much faster as cable connection.The transmission speed of wireless networks is improving; however, faster options (such as gigabit Ethernet) are available via cables.

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