Pros And Cons Of Wireless Network

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy to install: Wireless networks have become commonplace with Wireless N being the current standard. Wireless router is easy to purchase, connect it to the Internet, and install in either at home or office setting, it is recommended to hire a network professional to install and setup the wireless router in order to ensure that you have high level of security enabled and there is sufficient wireless coverage throughout the whole areas.

• Cost: The cost of the hardware is low, even though you are recommended to use the services of wireless network expert in selecting and configuration of a wireless router. Other than that, routers for commercial are generally more costly, but are more stable and offer much more reliable security

The router chooses the next best link to send packets on to get closer to the destination. Routers use Internet Protocol (IP) packet headers and routing tables, as well as internal protocols, to determine the best path for each packet.

Routers use Network Address Translation (NAT) protocol that allow multiple network devices to share a single IP address provided by an Internet service provider (ISP). Routers also implement Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) services for all devices. DHCP assigns private IP addresses to devices. Together, NAT and DHCP make it possible for several network devices, such as PC, laptops, and printers to share a common Internet IP address.

A wireless LAN router adds a built-in access point function to a multiport Ethernet router. Therefore combines multiple Ethernet networks with wireless connections. A typical wireless LAN router includes four Ethernet ports, an 802.11 access point, and a parallel port so it can be a print server. This gives wireless users the same ability as wired users to send and receive packets over multiple networks.

Figure 2. NAT and DHCP Are Essential Protocols That Routers

For example, repeaters provide connectivity to remote areas that normally would not have wireless network access. An access point in a home or small office might not quite cover the entire area where users need connectivity, such as basement. In order to provide connectivity throughout the entire space, the placement of a repeater should be between the covered and uncovered areas. The wireless repeater fills uncover area in coverage, therefore enable seamless roaming.

The disadvantage of repeater is that they reduce the performance of wireless LAN. A repeater must receive and retransmit each frame on the same radio channel, which doubles the amount of traffic needed for the network. Other than that, the problem of receiving duplicate data will happen when using multiple repeaters.

Radio NICs

Radio NIC is one of the major part in a wireless LAN that functions within the computer device and provides wireless connectivity. A wireless LAN radio NIC, also known as radio card, often implements the 802.11 standard. The cards implement one physical layer, such as 802.11a or 802.11b/g. As a result, the radio card must apply a compatible version of the standard to the wireless LAN. Radio cards come in a variety of form factors that include PCI, ISA, PC card, mini-PCI, and CF. PC normally utilize ISA and PCI cards; but for laptops, it use PC cards, mini-PCI, and CF