Wi-Fi Network - Phamox Tech

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Wi-Fi Wireless Network

Wi-Fi is a technology that uses radio waves to give digital devices like computers, phones, and cameras wireless access to a local area network (LAN) or the Internet.

It’s like a bridge that lets these devices talk to each other and share information, creating a network.

People use Wi-Fi networks at home or in small offices, connecting devices and getting Internet access through routers.

In public places like coffee shops and airports, there are also routers and access points providing Wi-Fi for visitors.

When you use Wi-Fi, you’re actually connecting to a wireless router, making it possible for your Wi-Fi-enabled devices to link up with the Internet.

The term Wi-Fi doesn’t stand for “wireless fidelity,” as many think. It’s a trademarked phrase owned by the Wi-Fi Alliance and relates to IEEE 802.11x standards.

The Wi-Fi Alliance reserves the use of “Wi-Fi Certified” for products that pass interoperability certification testing.

Hardware that doesn’t comply is simply called WLAN. It might or might not work with “Wi-Fi Certified” devices.

In 2017, the Wi-Fi Alliance included over 800 companies globally. As of 2019, more than 3.05 billion Wi-Fi-enabled devices are shipped worldwide each year.

Key Components of a Wi-Fi Network include

A Wi-Fi network comprises different components that collaborate to facilitate wireless communication among devices in a local area network (LAN).

These components, existing in both hardware and software, have specific roles in ensuring the effectiveness of Wi-Fi connections.

They assist in setup, maintain smooth operation, and optimize Wi-Fi connections for optimal performance.

Below are some notable components of a Wi-Fi network.

Table of Wi-Fi Components

Components	Description
Access Points (APs)	These are devices that transmit and receive wireless signals. Access points are often connected to a wired network and act as a bridge between wired and wireless devices.
Wireless Routers	A router is a networking device that forwards data between computer networks. A wireless router includes the functionality of an access point, allowing devices to connect wirelessly to the local network and access the internet.
Wireless Network Adapters	Built into devices or added externally, these adapters enable devices to connect to Wi-Fi networks. They can be integrated into laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other devices.
SSID (Service Set Identifier)	It is a unique name for a Wi-Fi network that aids devices in connecting to it. Think of it as a name tag for Wi-Fi – each network has its own SSID. This makes it easier when you’re in a spot with many Wi-Fi choices; you can choose the correct one. For example, if you’re at a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, you might notice “KYC003 Wi-Fi” as the SSID for that location’s Wi-Fi. Specifically, users select a network by choosing its SSID when connecting to Wi-Fi.
Security Protocols	Wi-Fi networks use various security protocols like WEP, WPA, and WPA2/WPA3 to protect data from unauthorized access.
Frequency Bands	Wi-Fi operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. Dual-band routers support both bands, providing flexibility and better performance in crowded environments.
Modes	Wi-Fi supports different modes, including infrastructure mode (devices connect to a central access point) and ad-hoc mode (peer-to-peer connections without a central access point).
Range and Speed	Wi-Fi range and speed depend on factors like the Wi-Fi standard (e.g., 802.11n, 802.11ac), frequency band, and environmental conditions.

How does Wi-Fi Work?

Wi-Fi is a wireless communication technology that enables networks to function without a physical wired connection between connected devices.

Instead, they operate by using radio waves to transmit packets of data over a radio frequency (RF) technology ranging from 2.4 to 5 gigahertz to send and receive digital data.

Essentially, radio frequency (RF) technology is a frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum associated with radio wave propagation.

When an RF current is supplied to an antenna, it generates an electromagnetic field that can propagate through space.

At the core of any wireless network is the access point (AP), which is responsible for broadcasting a wireless signal that computers can detect and use to establish a connection to the network.

Likewise, the Wi-Fi process involves a device called a router, which acts as an internet access point (AP) for other devices such as laptops, tablets, or cell phones.

A wireless access point (AP) helps wireless devices connect to the Wi-Fi network.

Think of a wireless access point like an amplifier for your home stereo.

It takes the internet speed from a router and extends it, allowing many devices to join the network from greater distances.

But a wireless access point does more than just boost Wi-Fi signals. It can provide helpful information about the devices connected to the network, offer proactive security, and serve various other useful purposes.

To connect to an access point and join a Wi-Fi wireless network, computers and any digital devices need to be equipped with wireless network adapters.

Note

From a technical perspective, the IEEE 802.11 standard outlines the rules for how devices like Wi-Fi routers and access points communicate wirelessly.

These access points follow different versions of the IEEE standards. Over time, each standard, like an amendment, was officially approved.

These standards work on different frequencies, offer varying amounts of data bandwidth, and provide support for different numbers of channels.

But the common frequencies for Wi-Fi are between 2.4 and 5 gigahertz.

History of Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi was introduced to the public in 1997, when a committee named 802.11 was formed.

However, the technology’s roots trace back to World War II and the actress Hedy Lamarr, a self-taught inventor who developed a method for communication that constantly changed frequencies to avoid detection.

Australian astronomers, aiming to maintain high data speeds for radio waves without signal loss, played a significant role in a key Wi-Fi patent.

The initial Wi-Fi, known as 802.11, allowed for transmission speeds of 2 megabits per second (Mbps) on the 2.4 GHz band.

Over the years, it underwent upgrades with new protocols like 802.11a, 802.11g, etc.

The Wi-Fi Alliance later adopted terms like Wi-Fi 4 and 5. The latest standard, Wi-Fi 6, launched in 2019, boasting speeds up to 9,600 Mbps.

Types of Wi-Fi Wireless Network Deployments

There are three distinct types of Wi-Fi wireless networks that an organization can choose to set up their wireless network.

These are centralized, converged, and cloud-based. Each installation possesses its own characteristics that make it suitable for various solutions.

Centralized Installation

This is the most common wireless network system, typically set up on campuses where buildings and networks are close together.

Centralized installations consolidate the wireless network, making upgrades easier and enabling advanced wireless functions. Controllers are on-premises and placed in a centralized location.

Converged Installation

Also known as Bridge Mode Deployment, this solution is tailored for small campuses or branch offices, providing consistency in both wired and wireless connections.

It merges wired and wireless on one network device, acting as both an access switch and a wireless controller.

In essence, this deployment directs wireless traffic to the switch port without tunneling it to a controller.

The controller can be deployed in a data center or on one of the APs within the office.

Cloud-based Installation

This system employs the cloud to manage network devices deployed on-premises at various locations.

Cloud-based deployment is a solution that requires cloud-managed devices, such as Cisco Meraki.

The cloud-managed devices utilized by this deployment offer full visibility of the network through their dashboards.

How To Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Here are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission on how to enhance the security of your Wi-Fi network:

Change your Wi-Fi password: After setting up your router, change the default Wi-Fi password to a strong and unique one. Consider using a password generator to create a secure password.
Utilize robust encryption: Ensure that your router is using strong encryption protocols. While older options like WEP and WPA are less secure, opt for WPA2 or the more advanced WPA3.
Update your router admin login credentials: If you obtained your router login details from the back of the device during the SSID change process, it’s crucial to modify them now. Default usernames and passwords are often the same across router models, making it important to personalize them for better security.
Keep your router’s firmware up to date: Regularly check for firmware updates for your router and install them promptly. These updates include essential security patches that safeguard against the latest vulnerabilities and potential attacks.
Create a guest network: Instead of allowing guests to connect to your main network, set up a separate guest network on your router. This provides a dedicated network for guests, helping to isolate their devices from your primary network and enhance overall security.

By following these recommendations, you can significantly strengthen the security of your Wi-Fi network and protect your devices and data from potential threats.

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