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Network Types and Components
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Rating: 1 user(s) have rated this article
Posted by: admin,
on 6/25/2009,
in category "Wireless Network and Securities"
Views: this article has been read 989 times
Location: Crest Hill, IL, United States
Abstract: There are three types of wireless network that you can establish: PAN, LAN and WAN
There are three types of wireless network that you can establish:
· PAN
· LAN
· WAN
PAN A personal area network (PAN) is best suited to a small or short-range environment, typically within a range of 33 feet (10 meters).
LAN A local area network (LAN) is suited to a group of users within a small geographic area such as an office building. It is the most common form of wireless network.
WAN A wide area network (WAN) is suited to a group of geographically dispersed users, such as employees in different branches of an organization or in different countries.
Wireless networks can be configured in two ways:
· peer-to-peer
· client/server
In a peer-to-peer (or point-to-point) network, each computer has similar capabilities and there is no central server to process transactions.
This type of configuration is suited only to small networks. Each computer in a peer-to-peer wireless network can communicate directly with every other computer on the network.
A client/server network consists of a base station, or access point, and other devices. The access point is a wired controller that receives and transmits data to the wireless adapters (clients) installed in each computer.
Here is the hub of a wireless network. End-user devices that can be used in a wireless network include
· desktop PCs
· laptop computers
· personal digital assistants (PDAs)
· handheld printers
In order to build a wireless network, each laptop or desktop PC in the network must have a wireless card. This can be in the form of a wireless mini PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) card, wireless PCI card, or PC card.
Alternatively, you can use a wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) adapter, which is an external device that you connect to a USB port in your computer.
Data is received from and transmitted to computers on a wireless network by the base station. This is a device that enables computers on the wireless network to communicate with each other. In order to maximize the use of your wireless network, it is essential that you position the wireless base station in the right location.
In a home or office environment, your computer must be within a relatively short distance of the base station, usually 80 to 525 feet (25 to 160 meters). You should also try to limit the potential for radio interference, which causes connectivity problems.
Operating microwave ovens, cordless phones, and other equipment in close proximity to your wireless devices can cause such interference.
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