Wireless networks Flashcards
Spread Spectrum Wireless Transmission Methods
- DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum):
- FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum):
- OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing):
DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum):
Uses the entire frequency range to transmit signals.
Susceptible to interference and slower bandwidth.
Channels 1, 6, and 11 are non-overlapping; other channels are wasted.
Not commonly used due to inefficiency.
FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum):
Devices hop between predetermined frequencies.
Provides better security but reduces bandwidth and speed.
Rarely used in commercial-grade wireless networks.
OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing):
Uses slow modulation with simultaneous transmissions over 52 data streams.
Resists interference and provides higher data rates.
Common in Wireless-G (22 MHz channels), Wireless-N (40 MHz in 5 GHz), Wireless-AC, and Wireless-AX.
2.4 GHz Spectrum:
Bandwidth: 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz (or up to 2.495 GHz in Japan).
Channel width: 22 MHz.
Channels:
U.S.: 11 channels (2401 MHz to 2473 MHz).
Worldwide (except Japan): 13 channels.
Japan: 14 channels.
Only 3 non-overlapping channels: 1, 6, 11.
Supports B, G, N, and AX.
5 GHz Spectrum:
Bandwidth: 5.725 GHz to 5.875 GHz.
Channel width: 20 MHz standard.
24 non-overlapping channels.
Channel bonding:
Combines channels to create wider channels (40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz).
Increases speed and bandwidth but risks interference.
Supports A, N, AC, and AX.
6 GHz:
Introduced with Wi-Fi 6E.
Higher speeds and less interference.
Channel Bonding:
Merging neighboring channels to increase throughput.
Can combine up to 8 channels (160 MHz wide).
Leads to faster speeds but increases interference risks.
Interference Prevention:
In the 2.4 GHz band, use channels 1, 6, and 11 for non-overlapping channels
Wireless Standards
802.11a (Wireless A):
802.11b (Wireless B):
802.11g (Wireless G):
802.11n (Wireless N or Wi-Fi 4):
802.11ac (Wireless AC or Wi-Fi 5):
802.11ax (Wireless AX or Wi-Fi 6):
802.11a (Wireless A):
Early 5 GHz Wi-Fi standard with 54 Mbps max speed.
Frequency: 5 GHz.
Max Speed: 54 Mbps.
Expensive; used mainly in business settings.
802.11b (Wireless B):
Affordable 2.4 GHz standard with 11 Mbps max speed.
Frequency: 2.4 GHz.
Max Speed: 11 Mbps.
Affordable and widely adopted but crowded frequency.
802.11g (Wireless G):
Improved 2.4 GHz standard with 54 Mbps max speed.
Frequency: 2.4 GHz.
Max Speed: 54 Mbps.
Faster than B but still interferes with other devices in 2.4 GHz.
802.11n (Wireless N or Wi-Fi 4):
Frequency: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
Max Speed: 300–600 Mbps.
Introduced MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) for better throughput.
802.11ac (Wireless AC or Wi-Fi 5):
Frequency: 5 GHz.
Max Speed: Up to 6.9 Gbps.
Introduced MU-MIMO (Multiple User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output).
802.11ax (Wireless AX or Wi-Fi 6):
Frequency: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and optionally 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E).
Max Speed: Up to 9.6 Gbps.
Fully backward compatible with previous standards.
Interference Types
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI): Caused by devices like microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones, especially in 2.4 GHz.
Physical Interference: Obstacles like concrete walls, refrigerators, or cabinets that weaken signals.
Attenuation: Signal weakening due to distance or obstacles.
Wireless Technologies
MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output)
MU-MIMO (Multiple User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output)