Name: Edy Alberto Marin Gutierrez Activity 3

Course Name: Industrial Networks

Teacher: Luis Alfonso López Lerma

Date: 11/03/2024
Activity 3

1:

• Individually, make a list of the advantages of having a wireless network; answer the
following:
• What are the advantages of having a wireless network?
• Can you mention any disadvantage?
• Do you think that a wireless network is safer than a wired one?
• Which network would be easier to install and maintain?

Advantages of having a wireless network

Mobility: They allow connection to the network from any location within the range of the signal,
which facilitates the mobility of users without losing the connection.

Ease of installation: They do not require cables to connect individual devices, which simplifies
installation, especially in buildings where running cables is difficult or invasive.

Scalability: Adding new users or devices is generally easier, as they only need to be within signal
range to connect to the network.

Aesthetics: By eliminating the need for cables, wireless networks can be more aesthetically
pleasing, especially in environments where cables are undesirable or impractical.

Disadvantages of wireless networks:

Interference: Wireless signals may be subject to interference from other wireless devices, which
may reduce connection quality.

Security: Although there are robust security protocols, wireless networks are potentially more
vulnerable to unauthorized attacks than wired networks, because signals are transmitted over the
air.

Limited range: The range of a wireless network is limited and the signal can weaken with distance
and physical obstacles.

Speed and reliability: Wired networks typically offer higher connection speeds and are more stable
than wireless ones.

Wireless Network Security vs. wired:

Wireless networks are not inherently more secure than wired ones. In fact, since wireless signals
are transmitted through the air, they can be more susceptible to interceptions and other attacks if
they are not adequately protected with strong encryption and authentication methods. Wired
networks, on the other hand, require physical access to compromise the network, making them
inherently more secure against certain types of attacks.
Ease of installation and maintenance:

Installation: Wireless networks are generally easier and faster to install than wired ones, since they
do not require running physical cables between devices.

Maintenance: Wireless network maintenance can be more challenging due to factors such as the
need to manage coverage and deal with interference. Wired networks, once installed, tend to
require less day-to-day maintenance, but any changes to the physical infrastructure (such as
adding new access points) can be more labor-intensive.

In summary, the choice between a wireless and wired network depends on specific needs, existing
infrastructure, and personal or business preferences for mobility, ease of installation, security, and
reliability.

2: As in wired networks, in wireless networks you can find different types of interferences. As you
know, the air is the medium to transmit signal; every characteristic of the wireless networks is
established according to the normal weather conditions (oxygen and nitrogen). It is important that
you consider the air quality when you talk about wireless connections.

Interference in wireless networks is a crucial aspect that can significantly affect connection
performance and reliability. Unlike wired networks, which use physical cables to transmit data and
are less susceptible to external interference, wireless networks rely on air as a transmission
medium, making them more vulnerable to various types of interference.

Types of interference in wireless networks:

Device Interference: Other devices operating on the same or nearby frequencies may cause
interference, such as other Wi-Fi access points, cordless phones, microwave ovens, and wireless
cameras.

Physical interference: Physical obstacles such as walls, floors, furniture, and metal can absorb or
reflect wireless signals, reducing their range and power.

Environmental Interferences: Although standard atmospheric conditions (primarily composed of

oxygen and nitrogen) are considered in the design of wireless networks, certain extreme
environmental conditions can affect performance. Heavy rain, fog, and high humidity can
attenuate signals, especially at higher frequencies and on long-range wireless connections such as
those used in microwave links or satellite communications.

Co-channel interference: Occurs when multiple access points or wireless devices operate on the
same frequency channel, which can happen in densely populated areas with many Wi-Fi networks.
Air quality considerations:

Although the impact of conventional air quality (mainly composed of oxygen and nitrogen) on
wireless network signals is generally minimal under normal conditions, certain pollutants or
suspended particles can affect signal propagation in extreme cases or in applications sensitive. In
industrial environments or areas with high pollution, more noticeable effects on signal attenuation
may be experienced.

Additionally, for critical applications or controlled environments, such as laboratories or high-tech

manufacturing facilities, it may be necessary to consider air quality in the design and maintenance
of wireless networks to ensure maximum reliability and performance.

3: In teams, as a previous work for the next part of the activity, follow these instructions:

Go to any mall or public place with wireless network in order to observe the existing wireless
connections. Ask the maintenance staff, if possible, about the operation of their wireless networks.

Public Libraries: Libraries not only offer access to learning resources, but they also often provide
Wi-Fi networks for visitors. Here you can see how the need for silent and uninterrupted
connectivity is balanced in an environment focused on studying and reading.
Airports: Given the high density of users and the need for uninterrupted services, airports are
complex places to manage wireless networks. Observing how connectivity is maintained in such
busy areas with strict security requirements can be very instructive.

Universities: College campuses typically have robust Wi-Fi networks designed to support a variety
of academic and leisure uses. They are a good example of how wireless networks are handled in a
diverse environment with multiple buildings and outdoor areas.

Coffee Shops: Coffee shops, especially large chains, often offer free Wi-Fi for customers. These
environments can show you how wireless networks handle smaller but high-turnover spaces,
where user experience is a priority.
Analyze the specific details and define the following elements:

• Coverage area
• Cost and budget
• Maximum amount of nodes per access point
• Bandwidth and maximum speed for data transmission
• Frequency range used and interferences
• Signal attenuation
• Need for amplifiers and repeaters

Coverage area: Depends on the type of access point and the physical environment, such as walls or
furniture.

Cost and budget: Varies depending on the scale of the network, quality of devices and need for
additional infrastructure.

Maximum number of nodes per access point: Determined by the access point model and its
ability to handle multiple connections.

Bandwidth and maximum speed: Influenced by network standard (such as Wi-Fi 5, 6) and network
congestion.

Frequency range and interference: Commonly used Wi-Fi networks use 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
Interference can come from electronic devices, other Wi-Fi networks, and physical structures.

Signal attenuation: The signal weakens with distance and physical obstacles.

Amplifiers and repeaters: May be necessary to expand coverage and improve the signal in larger
areas or with multiple obstacles.
5: Make your proposals to eliminate interferences in the wireless network of the previous case.
Draw a layout to identify and eliminate interferences in the wireless network at the mall.
6: You can support your proposals with this information:

• Align the wireless devices to have visual contact.

• Locate them reducing the number of walls, ceilings, floors or doors that may affect signal.
• Remove electronic devices with radio frequency noise or keep them at a distance of 2
meters.
• Remove wireless telephones working with 2 or 4 GHz or keep them as far as possible from
the bases.
• If the devices are divided by the wall or ceiling, place them to have a direct signal and not
through an angle. If the signals pass through, for example, a 15 degrees angle, the wall will
be a bigger barrier.
• Check if it is possible to relocate the devices, so that the signals pass through the barriers
with less affectations for the transmission.

Wood: Ensure any barriers between devices are made of these materials where possible, as they
have a low attenuation level.

Bricks: Prevent the signal from passing through brick walls or minimize the number of brick walls
the signal must pass through.

Ceramic: Try not to place wireless devices on opposite sides of ceramic walls or floors, as this
material has a high level of attenuation.

Metals: Completely prevent the signal from passing through any metal barrier, as it has a very high
attenuation level and can be blocked and reflect the signal.
With the support of the IT or maintenance department, find the following characteristics of the
antennas from the mall:

• Direction or propagation pattern; directional, omnidirectional or sector antenna.

• Frequencies or bandwidth.
• Transmit power/ RF power.
• Gain.
• Assigned location, interior or exterior.
• Vertical aperture.

Direction or pattern of spread:

Directional antennas: They focus in a specific direction and are suitable for point-to-point links.

Omnidirectional Antennas: Emits signals in a 360-degree pattern, commonly used for general
coverage in areas such as shopping malls.

Sector antennas: They provide coverage in a specific sector, such as 90° or 120°, and are widely
used on cell towers or for targeted coverage within large areas.

Frequencies or bandwidth: Each antenna operates in a specific frequency range. In the case of
WiFi, common bands are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. For cellular systems, frequencies may vary by country
and technology (e.g. 4G LTE, 5G).

Transmit Power/RF Power: This indicates how much power the antenna emits. The transmit
power can influence the signal range of the antenna. Local regulations often limit the maximum
allowable transmit power.
Gain: The gain of an antenna is a measure of its efficiency in concentrating energy in one direction
compared to an isotropic (ideal) antenna. It is measured in dBi (isotropic decibels) and directly
affects the range and quality of the signal.

Assigned Location, Indoor or Outdoor: Antennas may be specifically designed for indoor or
outdoor use, which affects their construction, material and design. The location of the antenna
affects its coverage and performance.

Vertical aperture: It is the vertical dispersion angle of the signal. A wide vertical opening is useful
for covering multiple floors in a building, while a narrow opening may be more suitable for ground-
level coverage in open areas.