There are certain parallels between the equipment used to build a WLAN and that used in a traditional wired LAN. Both networks require network interface cards or network adapter cards. A wireless LAN PC card, which contains an in-built antenna, is used to connect notebook computers to a wireless network. Usually, this is inserted into the relevant slot in the side of the notebook, but some may be internal to the notebook. Desktop computers can also connect to a wireless network if a wireless network card is inserted into one of its internal PCI slots.
In a wireless network, an 'access point' has a similar function to the hub in wired networks. It broadcasts and receives signals to and from the surrounding computers via their adapter card. It is also the point where a wireless network can be connected into an existing wired network.
The most obvious difference between wireless and wired networks, however, is that the latter uses some form of cable to connect computers together. A wireless network does not need cable to form a physical connection between computers.
Wireless Network Configurations
Wireless networks can be configured in an ad hoc/peer-to-peer arrangement or as a local area network.
Ad Hoc/Peer-to-Peer Configuration
This is the most basic wireless network configuration. It relies on the wireless network adapters installed in the computers that are communicating with each other. A computer within range of the transmitting computer can connect to it. However, if a number of computers are networked in this way, they must remain within range of each other. Even though this configuration has no real administration overhead, it should only be a consideration for very small installations.
Benefits and Educational Uses
The installation of cables is time consuming and expensive. The advantages of not doing so are apparent:
the amount of work required and the time taken to complete it are significantly reduced the network is accessible in places where wiring would have been difficult or impossible with no cables linking computers together, cable-related faults and network downtime are minimised Where a wireless network is in place, teachers or students can have continuous access to the network, even as they move with their equipment from class to class.
The space over which a wireless network operates is not planar but spherical. Therefore, in a multi-level site, network access is available in rooms above or below the access point, without the need for additional infrastructure.
In a location within a school where network access is required occasionally, desktop computers fitted with wireless network cards can be placed on trolleys and moved from location to location. They can also be located in areas where group work is taking place. As they are connected to the network, documents and files can be shared, and access to the Internet is available, enhancing group project work.
As the range of the wireless network extends outside the building, students and teachers can use wireless devices to gather and record data outside, e.g., as part of a science experiment or individual performance data as part of a PE class.
In a wireless network, an 'access point' has a similar function to the hub in wired networks. It broadcasts and receives signals to and from the surrounding computers via their adapter card. It is also the point where a wireless network can be connected into an existing wired network.
The most obvious difference between wireless and wired networks, however, is that the latter uses some form of cable to connect computers together. A wireless network does not need cable to form a physical connection between computers.
Wireless Network Configurations
Wireless networks can be configured in an ad hoc/peer-to-peer arrangement or as a local area network.
Ad Hoc/Peer-to-Peer Configuration
This is the most basic wireless network configuration. It relies on the wireless network adapters installed in the computers that are communicating with each other. A computer within range of the transmitting computer can connect to it. However, if a number of computers are networked in this way, they must remain within range of each other. Even though this configuration has no real administration overhead, it should only be a consideration for very small installations.
Benefits and Educational Uses
The installation of cables is time consuming and expensive. The advantages of not doing so are apparent:
the amount of work required and the time taken to complete it are significantly reduced the network is accessible in places where wiring would have been difficult or impossible with no cables linking computers together, cable-related faults and network downtime are minimised Where a wireless network is in place, teachers or students can have continuous access to the network, even as they move with their equipment from class to class.
The space over which a wireless network operates is not planar but spherical. Therefore, in a multi-level site, network access is available in rooms above or below the access point, without the need for additional infrastructure.
In a location within a school where network access is required occasionally, desktop computers fitted with wireless network cards can be placed on trolleys and moved from location to location. They can also be located in areas where group work is taking place. As they are connected to the network, documents and files can be shared, and access to the Internet is available, enhancing group project work.
As the range of the wireless network extends outside the building, students and teachers can use wireless devices to gather and record data outside, e.g., as part of a science experiment or individual performance data as part of a PE class.
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