wirelessFundamentals

Question 1

Global System for Mobile Communications

Answer 1

A standard developed to ensure compatibility among mobile networks globally; commonly known as GSM.

Question 2

Bandwidth

Answer 2

The maximum rate at which data can be transferred over a communication channel, typically measured in Hertz (Hz) or bits per second (bps).

Question 3

Access point

Answer 3

Implements the 802.11 MAC and PHY functions to allow wireless clients to connect and bridges wireless traffic into a Distribution System.

Question 4

Basic set identifier

Answer 4

BSSID is the ** identifier of the BSS** usually the AP that manages the BSS.

Question 5

ISM band

Answer 5

Industrial, Scientific, and Medical radio bands; frequency ranges reserved internationally for unlicensed use, such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

Question 6

Hotspot

Answer 6

A physical location where people can access the internet, typically via Wi-Fi, using a wireless local area network (WLAN).

Question 7

Association

Answer 7

The process by which a wireless device connects to a wireless access point to join a network.

Question 8

Service Set Identifier

Answer 8

The name of a wireless network, commonly known as SSID, used by devices to identify and connect to the correct Wi-Fi network.

Question 9

OFDM

Answer 9

Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing; a digital transmission method that splits a signal into multiple closely spaced sub-signals for increased efficiency and robustness.

Question 10

MIMO-OFDM

Answer 10

A combination of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) and OFDM technologies that increases wireless capacity and performance using multiple antennas.

Question 11

DSSS

Answer 11

Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum; a modulation technique that spreads data over a wider frequency band for resistance to interference and better security.

Question 12

FHSS

Answer 12

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum; a wireless communication method that rapidly switches carrier frequencies during transmission to reduce interference and improve security.

Question 13

Wi-Fi

Answer 13

A wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide high-speed internet and network connections.

Question 14

Wi-Fi operating RF

Answer 14

The frequency bands used by Wi-Fi, typically 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz in the ISM band.

Question 15

Wi-Fi range

Answer 15

The effective coverage area of a Wi-Fi signal; generally 100–150 feet indoors and up to 300 feet outdoors under optimal conditions.

Question 16

Bluetooth

Answer 16

A short-range wireless technology used to connect devices over short distances using the 2.4 GHz ISM band.

Question 17

Bluetooth operating RF

Answer 17

Operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, using FHSS to minimize interference.

Question 18

Bluetooth range

Answer 18

Typically up to 10 meters (33 feet) for standard devices, with some reaching up to 100 meters for high-power implementations.

Question 19

RFID

Answer 19

Radio-Frequency Identification; a technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects.

Question 20

RFID operating RF

Answer 20

Can operate in low (125–134 kHz), high (13.56 MHz), or ultra-high (860–960 MHz) frequency bands depending on the application.

Question 21

RFID range

Answer 21

Varies by type: low frequency up to 10 cm, high frequency up to 1 meter, and ultra-high frequency up to 12 meters or more.

Question 22

WiMax

Answer 22

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access; a wireless communication standard for long-range broadband access.

Question 23

WiMax operating RF

Answer 23

Typically operates in the 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, and 3.5 GHz bands depending on regional regulations.

Question 24

WiMax range

Answer 24

Can cover distances up to 30 miles (50 km) under ideal conditions, with practical ranges of 1–6 miles (1.5–10 km).

Question 25

Ad-hoc Standalone Network Architecture

Answer 25

A wireless network setup where devices communicate directly with each other without the need for an access point (AP). All devices must be in ad-hoc mode and use the same SSID to form a peer-to-peer wireless LAN (WLAN). This topology is often used for temporary or small-scale networks.

Question 26

Infrastructure Network Topology (Centrally Coordinated Architecture / Basic Service Set - BSS)

Answer 26

A structured WLAN configuration where devices (stations) communicate with each other through a central Access Point (AP). The AP manages communication within the WLAN and provides centralized coordination, forming a Basic Service Set (BSS).

Question 27

Software Access Point (Software AP)

Answer 27

A feature or application that allows a device, such as a laptop or smartphone, to emulate an Access Point. It enables other devices to connect through it wirelessly, functioning like a standard AP without dedicated hardware.

Question 28

Hardware Access Point (Hardware AP)

Answer 28

A standalone network device specifically designed to manage wireless communications within a network. It includes all necessary components to function as a fully operational AP, such as radios, processors, and antennae.

Question 29

Distribution System

Answer 29

The logical backbone of a WLAN that interconnects multiple Access Points, allowing seamless communication and data transfer between stations in different Basic Service Sets (BSSs).

Question 30

Wireless Network Interface Card (WNIC)

Answer 30

A hardware component (often built-in or add-on) in a device that allows it to connect to a wireless network by transmitting and receiving data over a specific SSID.

Question 31

Wireless Modem

Answer 31

A device or internal component (USB or card) that converts radio frequency (RF) signals into digital data and vice versa, enabling internet access over cellular or wireless broadband networks.

Question 32

Wireless Bridge

Answer 32

A device that connects two or more separate wireless LANs at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2). It allows communication between networks that are not directly connected.

Question 33

Wireless Repeater

Answer 33

A device that receives a wireless signal and retransmits it, effectively extending the range of a WLAN without a wired connection to the router or AP.

Question 34

Wireless Router

Answer 34

A multifunctional device that connects two distinct networks at the Data Link Layer (e.g., a home LAN to the internet) and manages data packet distribution, routing, and wireless signal broadcasting.

Question 35

Wireless Gateway

Answer 35

A network node that serves as an entry/exit point for data traffic between two different networks, often combining routing, modem, and firewall functions in a single device.

Question 36

Wireless USB Adapter

Answer 36

An external device that plugs into a USB port to add wireless networking capability to a computer that lacks a built-in wireless interface.

Question 37

Antenna

Answer 37

A hardware component used in wireless communication systems to transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals. Antennas play a key role in determining the range and direction of signal propagation.

Question 38

Functions of an Antenna

Answer 38

- Transmission Line – Carries the signal from the transmitter to the antenna.\n- Radiator – Converts electrical signals into RF waves for transmission.\n- Resonator – Tunes the antenna to a specific frequency for efficient signal transmission/reception.

Question 39

Directional Antenna

Answer 39

An antenna that focuses the wireless signal in one specific direction, increasing range and signal strength in that direction while reducing interference from others.

Question 40

Omnidirectional Antenna

Answer 40

An antenna that broadcasts signals in all horizontal directions equally, providing 360-degree coverage, typically used in standard APs.

Question 41

Parabolic Grid Antenna

Answer 41

A high-gain directional antenna using a parabolic-shaped reflector (often a grid or mesh) to focus RF energy into a narrow beam for long-distance transmission.

Question 42

Yagi Antenna

Answer 42

A directional antenna composed of multiple parallel elements in a line. It is effective for high and ultra-high frequencies and offers improved gain while reducing noise from unwanted directions.

Question 43

Dipole Antenna

Answer 43

A simple, balanced antenna consisting of two conductive elements. Commonly used in Zigbee and similar applications for short-range wireless communication.

Question 44

Reflector Antennas

Answer 44

Antennas that use reflective surfaces (e.g., parabolic dishes) to focus electromagnetic waves to a single focal point, enhancing signal strength for either sending or receiving.