Wireless Network Architecture

Wireless Network Architecture

Basic Components

• Access Points (APs): devices that allow wireless devices to connect to a wired network
• Wireless Network Interface Cards (WNICs): devices installed in laptops, smartphones, and other devices to connect to a wireless network
• Wireless Routers: devices that connect to a wired network and provide wireless access to multiple devices

Network Topology

• Infrastructure Mode: wireless devices connect to an AP, which is connected to a wired network
  • Advantages: easy to set up, provides centralized management
  • Disadvantages: single point of failure, limited range
• Ad-Hoc Mode: wireless devices connect directly to each other without an AP
  • Advantages: no need for AP, flexible
  • Disadvantages: limited range, no centralized management
• Mesh Network: wireless devices connect to each other and to APs, providing multiple paths for data transmission
  • Advantages: reliable, self-healing, flexible
  • Disadvantages: complex setup, expensive

Network Architecture Models

• WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) Architecture
  • Consists of APs, WNICs, and wireless routers
  • Provides wireless access to a local area network
• WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network) Architecture
  • Consists of cellular networks, satellite networks, and wireless routers
  • Provides wireless access to a wide area network
• WMAN (Wireless Metropolitan Area Network) Architecture
  • Consists of wireless routers, APs, and WNICs
  • Provides wireless access to a metropolitan area network

Network Protocols

• IEEE 802.11: a set of standards for wireless networking
  • Includes protocols for MAC (Media Access Control) and PHY (Physical Layer)
• MAC Protocols: manage data transmission and reception between devices
  • Examples: CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance), RTS/CTS (Request to Send/Clear to Send)
• PHY Protocols: manage data transmission and reception at the physical layer
  • Examples: DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum), FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum)