COMPUTER NETWORK | TOPIC 7 | WIRELESS NETWORK HARDWARE

1.    Explain the following wireless device and discuss how to properly choose each device.

a)    Wireless Router

DEFINITION: A device in a wireless local area network that determines the next network point to which a packet should be forwarded toward its destination

HOW TO CHOOSE:

NAME	SPEED	INDOOR RANGE	FREQUENCY
WIRELESS AC	1 Gbps	115 feet	5 GHz
WIRELESS N	300 Mbps	230 feet	2.4 GHz, 5GHz
WIRELESS G	54 Mbps	125 feet	2.4 GHz
WIRELESS B	11 Mbps	115 feet	2.4 GHz

b)    Wireless AP

DEFINITION: is a hardware device or configured node on a local area network that allows wireless capable devices and wired networks to connect through a wireless standard, including Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. WAPs feature radio transmitters and antennae, which facilitate connectivity between devices and the internet or a network.

HOW TO CHOOSE:

ACCESS POINT TYPE	STATED CAPACITY	RECOMMENDED CAPACITY	USER DENSITY	APPLICATIONS
Single Radio	100 users	30 users	Low	·  Email ·  Web ·  guest access
Dual Radio	200 users	60 users	High	·  Multimedia ·  Email ·  Web ·  Guest access
Three Radio	200 users	70 users	High	·  Wireless VoIP ·  Multimedia ·  Email ·  Web ·  Guest access

c)    Wireless Print Servers

DEFINITION: lets computers on a network all access a network printer. Print servers are therefore useful even on very small networks, since they avoid having to move files from computer to computer before printing.

WHY USE A PRINT SERVER?

1.     You can’t reach the printer on your network.

2.     The printer is busy, and you need to spool or risk losing your print jobs.

3.     You need to tweak the print job.

4.     You need functions the printer does not support

*SPOOL -  a process in which data is temporarily held to be used and executed by a device, program or the system.

HOW TO CHOOSE:

TYPE	DESCRIPTION
Hardware Print Server	·  A basic device with a network connector and a USB or parallel connector for a printer. ·  Typically, does not spool unless it has a disk
Windows Print Server	·  Configured through the normal Windows administration tools.
Unix Print Servers	·  You can set up a print queue to process the print job before they are ultimately sent to an actual print device.

d)    Wireless Range Extender

DEFINITION: Simple devices that are designed to pick up your existing Wi-Fi network and rebroadcast it to get a decent signal when you are far away from the router.

HOW TO CHOOSE:

Compatibility	·  Extenders only support latest standards of routers. ·  No point in getting an extender that supports faster speed than the router. It only rebroadcast the signal it receives.
Single Band or Dual Band	·  2.4 GHz band has a longer range but the 5 GHz band supports faster speeds. ·  Having a dual band router should also consider a dual band extender
Security Standards	·  Latest Wi-Fi Protected Access version is the best option. It can prevent anyone without your password from connecting to your network.
Aesthetic Design	·  Small and simple ·  Larger extenders tend to have more features.

2.    To create a good network the basic plan is:

·       Decide what kind of WLAN is needed

·       Purchase the best equipment the budget allows for

·       Install the equipment

·       Test the installation

a)    Identify where to effectively set-up access points

·       You can have high coverage area by mounting it up high and avoiding furniture and other obstructions.

·       Without mounting, it can be placed on a high shelf or on top of a tall piece of furniture.

·       Place it as close as possible to the center of the area of the coverage.

·       Keep the antenna vertically as possible

·       Don’t place it near metal objects like filling cabinets and desks/

·       Avoid placing it near microwave ovens and large water-filled objects

·       Keep it away from exterior walls.

b)    How to secure wireless networks

STEP 1	Open router settings and enter the correct user name and password for the router
STEP 2	Create a unique password for your router
STEP 3	Change your network name
STEP 4	Enable network encryption to prevent other computers in the area from using your internet connection
STEP 5	Filter MAC Addresses to have specific devices connected
STEP 6	Adjust the range of the wireless signal appropriately
STEP 7	Upgrade your router’s firmware

3.    Identify the steps to troubleshoot the network for the following problems:

a)    Workstation issues

b)    Access point issues

1.     Check WAN and LAN Connections

2.     Verify wireless adapter

3.     Verify AP and router settings

4.     Verify TCP/IP settings

5.     Verify network connection with PING

6.     Check wireless-specific issues

7.     Look for a security mismatch

8.     Ensure RADIUS is working

9.     Check 802.1X EAP and user login

10. Check intermittent network connectivity

c)    Server/infrastructure issues

REFERENCE:

Homenetworkadmin.com. (2017). Home Network Admin | Wireless B vs G vs N vs AC | What Is The Difference?. [online] Available at: http://homenetworkadmin.com/wireless-b-vs-g-vs-n-vs-ac-difference/ [Accessed 9 Jun. 2017].

SearchMobileComputing. (2017). What is wireless router? - Definition from WhatIs.com. [online] Available at: http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/wireless-router [Accessed 9 Jun. 2017].

 

Techopedia.com. (2017). What is a Wireless Access Point (WAP)? - Definition from Techopedia. [online] Available at: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/13538/wireless-access-point-wap [Accessed 9 Jun. 2017].

eBay. (2017). Top 5 Wireless Access Points. [online] Available at: http://www.ebay.com/gds/Top-5-Wireless-Access-Points-/10000000177715700/g.html [Accessed 9 Jun. 2017].

 

Brooksnet.com. (2017). Defining Print Servers | Brooksnet. [online] Available at: https://www.brooksnet.com/content/defining-print-servers [Accessed 12 Jun. 2017].

 

dealnews. (2016). 7 Features of the Perfect Wifi Range Extender. [online] Available at: https://dealnews.com/features/Tips-for-Buying-the-Best-Wifi-Range-Extender/1349368.html [Accessed 12 Jun. 2017].

 

PCMAG. (2017). How to Install a Wireless LAN. [online] Available at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1540976,00.asp [Accessed 12 Jun. 2017].

SearchNetworking. (2017). 10 steps to troubleshoot wireless connection problems. [online] Available at: http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/tip/Wireless-network-troubleshooting-Connectivity [Accessed 12 Jun. 2017].