Wireless Networking
• Handoff and central control
Another fundamental cellular idea is hand-off. In a cellular system, not all mobile calls may be completed within the boundaries of a single, relatively small cell. To deal with this, the cellular system is equipped with its own system level switching and control capability.
Through continuous monitoring of signal strength and other parameters received from individual cell sites, the cellular system can sense when a mobile unit with a call in progress passes from one cell to another and can switch the call to the new cell without interruption.
6. Global networks
A global area network (GAN) is a network used for supporting mobile across an arbitrary number of wireless LANs, satellite coverage areas or any other type of networks. One of the key challenges in mobile communications is handing off user communications network.
Because, when user is moving from one local area network to the next, current network has to be dropped and the next one has to be picked up for the user. Otherwise he will feel communication difficulties due to signal interruptions. In IEEE Project 802, this gives rise to a succession of terrestrial wireless LANs.
Benefits of wireless networking
Wireless networks offer the following productivity, convenience, and cost advantages over wired physical networks:
• Mobility
Wireless networks can provide the users with the access to real time information anywhere in their workplace, home or even when they are travelling. This mobility supports productivity and cost savings not possible with wired networks.
There are thousands of institutions, universities, colleges, hotels and other public places offering wireless connection. These allow you to be at any place you want whenever you needed. Whenever you want you can connect with your beloved family, friends not just with voices, but also with visuals.
• Installation Speed and Simplicity
Installing a wireless network is easier and simpler compared to physical networking methods. Wireless systems eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings. They also avoid the unnecessary space utilization of the network components which is handy.
• Reduced Cost-of-Ownership
Though the initial investment required for wireless networks can be higher compared to the cost of wired networks, overall expenses and lifetime expenses will add up to a much less number compared to the wired networks. In dynamic environments, requirement of frequent moves and changes are inevitable. In such scenarios, wireless networks are ideal.
• Scalability
Wireless network systems can be configured in a variety of topologies (mesh topology, bus topology, tree topology, etc.) to meet the needs of unique applications and installations. Configurations can be easily changed and range from peer-to-peer networks suitable for a few number of users to full infrastructure networks of thousands of users that enable roaming over a large area.
Cons of wireless networking
• Security
Wireless network transmission is more vulnerable to attack by unauthorized users, especially like hackers. So the security of data is low in wireless networks compared to the physical network transmission. Privacy and security are major concerns when implementing wireless networks. So particular attention has to be paid to security. So security costs are generally higher compared with the wired networks.
• Installation problems
You may experience interrupted network if there are any other wireless networks in the same region which uses radio signals. This could lead to communication interruptions and in worst case scenario, can result in loss of communication.
• Coverage
In some buildings and places getting consistent coverage can be difficult due to ‘black spots’ where no signal (weak signal) is available. Typical example is, in structures built using steel reinforcing materials, it is difficult to pick up radio frequencies which are commonly used in transmission.
• Transmission speeds
Wireless networks can get slower and less efficient than wired networks. Transmission can get interrupted by poor weather and can get slower due to interference of other networks. So In big wireless networks, backbone network will be a wired network, most probably made out of large optical cables.
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