Wireless Communication Systems (EEE-434) Slide No.

1
 Wireless Local Area Networks
(WLANs)
Presentation for Course “Wireless Communication Systems”

Areeba
GROUP Abid MEMBERS ( FA20-BEE-
:
004 )
Hamna Baig ( FA20-BEE-030
)
Arbab Fatima ( FA20-BEE-
036 )
Wireless Communication Systems (EEE-434) Slide No. 2
Introduction to
Wireless Local Area
Networks (WLANs)
 A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a wireless computer
network that links two or more devices using wireless
communication to form a local area network (LAN)
within a limited area such as a home, school, computer
laboratory, campus, or office building.
 WLANs gives users the ability to move around within
the area and remain connected to the network. Through
a gateway, a WLAN can also provide a connection to
the wider Internet
Wireless Communication Systems (EEE-434) Slide No. 3
Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs)
 Wireless LANs based on the IEEE 802.11 standards are the
most widely used computer networks in the world. These
are commonly called Wi-Fi, which is a trademark
belonging to the Wi-Fi Alliance.
 They are used for home and small office networks that link
together laptop computers, printers, smartphones, Web TVs
and gaming devices with a wireless router (WLAN
device/ WIFI device ), which links them to the internet.
 Ethernet is the traditional technology for connecting
devices in a wired local area network (LAN) or wide area
network.
 A bridge connects a router (or standard internet setup) to a
device in a fixed location across a large distance and
provides internet access. The device that utilizes the bridge Figure 1 : Example of WIFI Network
could be a mobile phone, laptop, or similar smart
technology. Wireless Communication Systems (EEE-434) Slide No. 4
Evolution of Wireless LAN Technology
• 1971 : ALOHAnet (Additive Links On-line Hawaii Area network) – The first wireless computer communication
system
• Developed by Norman Abrahamson at the University of Hawaii.
1 • Operational in 1971, connecting seven computers over four islands without using phone lines.

• 1990s: Transition to Standardization

• Wireless LAN hardware was initially expensive, used as an alternative to cabled LAN where cabling
was difficult.
2 • Industry-specific solutions and proprietary protocols replaced by technical standards, primarily IEEE
802.11.

• European Alternatives: HiperLAN (High Performance LAN)

• Pursued HiperLAN/1, followed by HiperLAN/2.
3 • HiperLAN/2 specifications influenced IEEE 802.11a PHY.

Wireless Communication Systems (EEE-434) Slide No. 5

Evolution of Wireless LAN Technology
• HomeRF
• Formed in 1997 for residential use, disbanded in January 2003.
4
• 2009: Introduction of 802.11n
• Operates in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, with a maximum data transfer rate of 600 Mbit/s.
5 • Dual-band routers mitigate interference and offer more channels.

Wireless Communication Systems (EEE-434) Slide No. 6

Wireless LAN Architecture
Stations
 All components that can connect into a wireless medium
in a network are referred to as stations.
 All stations are equipped with wireless network
interface controllers. Wireless stations further divided
in to two blocks; wireless access points (WAPs) and
clients.
 WAPs are base stations for the wireless network. They
transmit and receive radio frequencies for wireless-
enabled devices to communicate with each other.
 Wireless clients can be mobile devices such as laptops,
personal digital assistants, VoIP phones and other
smartphones, or non-portable devices such as desktop
computers and printers, that are equipped with a
wireless network interface controller.
Service Set
 The base service set (BSS) is a set of all stations that can
communicate with each other. Every BSS has an
identification (ID) called the BSSID, which is MAC (Media
Access Control) address of the AP’s servicing the BSS.
 There are two types of BSS: Independent BSS (also
referred to as IBSS), and infrastructure BSS.
 An independent BSS (IBSS) is an ad hoc network that
contains no access points, which means they cannot
connect to any other base service set. In an IBSS the
stations are configured in ad hoc (peer-to-peer) mode.
 An extended service set (ESS) is a set of connected BSSs.
Access points in an ESS are connected by a distribution
system. Each ESS has an ID called the SSID which is a 32-
byte (maximum) character string.
 . Wireless Communication Systems (EEE-434) Slide No. 7
Working of Wireless LAN
Clients

 WLANs provide Internet access using radio, infrared, and

microwave transmission to transmit data from one
location to another without requiring cables or other
connections to directly connect to your computer. As stated
earlier that the components of a wireless LAN are clients
and access points.
 WLAN data transmission is commonly implemented by one
of the techniques as listed below:
1. Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
2. Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
3. Infrared Technology

Wireless Communication Systems (EEE-434) Slide No. 8

Working of Wireless LAN (contd..)
 Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) : Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) employs
a narrowband carrier whose frequency changes in a pattern that is known to both the transmitter and the
receiver. Synchronized correctly, the result is successful fetching of the data message.

 Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) : In Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) each bit is
multiplied by a secret code (PN-code) that is only known to transmitter and its corresponding receiver.
Code is used to access message.
 Infrared Technology: For data transmission, infrared (IR) systems employ frequencies just below visible
light on the electromagnetic spectrum.
• Like visible light, infrared cannot pass through objects; it is either directed (line-of-sight) used in
specific WLAN applications, low-cost directed systems have a range of only 3 feet and are inexpensive.
• High-performance directed IR is impracticable for mobile users, so it is only used to implement fixed
sub-networks.

Wireless Communication Systems (EEE-434) Slide No. 9

Types of Wireless LAN
It has two basic modes of operation: infrastructure and ad hoc mode.

Infrastructure Mode Ad-hoc Mode

 In infrastructure mode, mobile units communicate  In ad hoc mode, mobile units communicate directly
through a wireless access point (WAP) that also serves peer-to-peer.
as a bridge to other networks such as a local area  Mobile units communicate directly, peer-to-peer.
network or the Internet.  No need for a central access point.
 Wi-Fi Networks : Predominantly use infrastructure  No fixed infrastructure.
mode.
 Connection : Wireless clients (laptops, smartphones)
connect to WAP.
 WAP Functions : Provides wired network connection
and can connect wirelessly to other WAPs.
 Wireless Access points are usually fixed location,
serves clients within range

Wireless Communication Systems (EEE-434) Slide No. 10

Peer-to-Peer
 Direct Communication :
Devices communicate directly with
each other without a central access
point.
 Independent Basic Service Set
(IBSS) :
No central access point and utilizes
IBSS where stations connect on-the
fly as needed.
 For Example :
A group of laptops connects directly in a conference room to share files without relying on a router or
internet connection.

Wireless Communication Systems (EEE-434) Slide No. 11

Bridge
 A bridge WLAN connects devices on a wired
Ethernet network to a wireless network,
allowing seamless communication between
wired and wireless devices.
 Function:
Acts as a connection point, enabling devices
without wireless capabilities to join a wireless
network. Bridge (WLANs)
 Example:
A smart TV without built-in Wi-Fi connects to the home Wi-Fi network via a wireless Ethernet bridge,
allowing it to stream content from the internet.
.

Wireless Communication Systems (EEE-434) Slide No. 12

Wireless LAN Roaming
 Two definitions for WLAN roaming ; Internal Roaming and External Roaming.

 Internal Roaming
• Mobile station (MS) moves between access points (APs) within the home network due to weak signal
strength.
• MS re-authenticates via an authentication server (e.g., 802.11) and periodically searches for stronger APs
to re-associate.
• Connection interruptions may occur.
• Billing is managed within the home network

 External Roaming
• The MS connects to a WLAN of another wireless Internet service provider (WISP), using the foreign
network independently from the home network.
• Special authentication and billing systems are required.
• User experience is dependent on the policies of the foreign network.

Wireless Communication Systems (EEE-434) Slide No. 13

Wireless LAN Roaming (contd..)

Wireless Communication Systems (EEE-434) Slide No. 14

Wireless LAN Pros and Cons
PROS CONS
Add access points to extend coverage Limited range compared to wired networks
Connect to the network anywhere within the Reliability issues like signal dropouts and
coverage area outages
Eliminate the need for physical cables Susceptible to interference (e.g., obstacles,
environment)
Simpler and cost-effective compared to Vulnerable to security threats if not properly
wired networks secured

Wireless Communication Systems (EEE-434) Slide No. 15

References
1. https://www.qsfptek.com/resources/what-is-a-wireless-access-point.html
2. https://www.zenarmor.com/docs/network-basics/what-is-wlan
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_LAN#Service_set
4. https://www.techopedia.com/definition/5107/wireless-local-area-network-wlan

Wireless Communication Systems (EEE-434) Slide No. 16

 Thank You All For Listening
Questions are welcomed

Wireless Communication Systems (EEE-434) Slide No. 17