11.5.3 Wireless Networking Facts

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary technology used in wireless networking?

Fiber optic cables

Radio waves (correct)

Satellite communication

Copper wires

Which frequency range allows for longer travel distance but slower data transmission in wireless networking?

5 GHz

Frequency hopping

2.4 GHz (correct)

Ultra-wideband

What does the FCC regulate concerning wireless networks?

The channel width of wireless signals

The specific radio frequency ranges used (correct)

The maximum speed of data transmission

The types of devices that can connect

Which wireless standard has the highest maximum speed?

802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) Signup and view all the answers

How many non-overlapping channels are available in the 2.4 GHz range?

3 Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of two devices using the same wireless frequency in close proximity?

Signal collision leading to dropped connections Signup and view all the answers

Which channel width is approximately used for each wireless channel?

20 MHz Signup and view all the answers

In wireless networks, what is the purpose of adjusting the channel?

To avoid frequency conflicts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about dual band access points is true?

A dual band access point can transmit on 2.4 GHz using one radio and 5 GHz using another. Signup and view all the answers

What does MIMO technology achieve in wireless communication?

It increases bandwidth by using multiple antennas for sending and receiving. Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation when using channel bonding in the 2.4 GHz range?

Only one non-overlapping bonded channel is available. Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential drawbacks of increasing the power of a wireless access point?

Overheating and potential instability of the device. Signup and view all the answers

Which technology enhances MIMO by allowing multiple users to use the same channel?

Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) Signup and view all the answers

What impact do obstructions have on wireless signal transmission?

They can decrease both signal speed and distance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of non-overlapping channels available in the 5 GHz frequency band?

12 channels Signup and view all the answers

In a typical environment, what effect does distance have on transmission speeds?

Speeds generally decrease as distance from the access point increases. Signup and view all the answers

Which wireless standard is backwards compatible with 802.11b devices?

802.11n Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about long-range wireless networks is correct?

They can be set up using unlicensed frequencies if the locations are close. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Wireless Networking Basics

Wireless networks use radio waves to transmit data through the air.
Unbounded medium: Radio waves are not confined to a cable like wired networks, allowing signals to reach areas inaccessible to wired connections.
FCC regulation: Wireless networks operate within specific radio frequency ranges regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Common frequencies: The most common frequencies used by wireless networks are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
2.4 GHz: Wider, shorter range signals, allowing for longer distances, but slower data transmission.
5 GHz: Thinner, taller signals, offering shorter range, but faster data transfer.
Unlicensed frequencies: Both frequency ranges are unlicensed, meaning no special permission is required to use them, but other devices can also use these frequencies.
Channel conflicts: Multiple devices using the same frequency in a single area can lead to signal collisions and dropped connections.
Channel adjustment: To avoid conflicts, you can adjust the wireless channel, slightly shifting the frequency.
Channel width: Each channel is approximately 20 MHz wide, leading to slight overlap between channels.
Non-overlapping channels: 2.4 GHz has three non-overlapping channels, while 5 GHz offers 24 non-overlapping channels.

Wireless Standards

IEEE 802.11 standards: Wireless networks are defined by these standards, which specify ways to increase bandwidth and reduce interference during data transmission.
802.11 designation: Standards are labeled with 802.11 followed by letters indicating updates.

Wireless Standards Comparison

Standard	Frequency	Maximum Speed	Maximum Distance	Non-Overlapped Channels	Backwards Compatibility
802.11a	5 GHz	54 Mbps	100 ft	23 (12)	N/A
802.11b	2.4 GHz	11 Mbps	150 ft	11 (3)	None
802.11g	2.4 GHz	54 Mbps	150 ft	11 (3)	802.11b
802.11n	2.4 GHz or 5 GHz	600 Mbps	300 ft	2.4 GHz: 11 (3 or 1), 5 GHz: 23 (12 or 6)	802.11a/b/g (depending on implementation)
802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)	5 GHz	3.46 Gbps	300 ft	Depends on Configuration	802.11b/g/n
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)	2.4 GHz or 5 GHz	14 Gbps	300 ft	Depends on Configuration	802.11b/g/n/ac

Wireless Network Performance Factors

Theoretical speed: Maximum advertised speeds are often theoretical, and actual speeds are achieved only under optimal conditions.
Transmission speed impacts: Speed is affected by distance, obstructions (like walls), and interference.
Signal distance: Maximum signal distance is influenced by obstructions, antenna strength, and interference.
Real-world distance: Typical environments with one or two walls might reduce the maximum distance by half.
Speed vs. distance trade-off: Higher speeds usually come at the expense of shorter range.

Technologies for Enhanced Performance

Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO): Increases bandwidth by using multiple antennas for both transmission and reception.
- Antenna configuration: 802.11n can support up to four sending and receiving antennas.
- Beamforming: Improves speed by focusing the signal towards a specific receiving device, enhancing signal quality.
Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO): An advancement of MIMO that allows multiple users to share the same channel.
- Increased MIMO streams: 802.11ac doubled MIMO radio streams from four to eight alongside MU-MIMO implementation.
Channel bonding: Combines two non-overlapping 20 MHz channels into a single 40 MHz channel, effectively more than doubling bandwidth.
- Practicality: Channel bonding is generally more feasible in 5 GHz with its greater non-overlapping channel capacity.
- Limited 2.4 GHz bonding: 2.4 GHz only allows for a maximum of one non-overlapping bonded channel due to its limited channel count.

Long-Range Wireless Networks

Connecting buildings: Long-range wireless networks are commonly used to connect buildings on the same network.
Solutions based on distance: Different solutions exist depending on the distance between network locations.
Short distances: High-end access points with specialized antennas can be used for close proximity connections.
Longer distances: Specialized equipment and licensed frequency ranges (900 MHz or 3.65 GHz) are required.
Power increases: Increasing access point power can extend transmission range, but can lead to overheating and instability.
FCC compliance: Consult FCC guidance regarding power increases to avoid interfering with other wireless devices.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of wireless networking, including how data is transmitted via radio waves and the importance of frequency ranges like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Understand the implications of unbounded mediums and FCC regulations on wireless communication. Test your knowledge on channel conflicts and how they affect wireless networks.