Week 1 Discussion 1 - Wireless Applications" Please respond to the following

Course CodeCIS513_W1: Wireless Computing – Introduction to Wireless Communications

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Slide Narration

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Introduction

Welcome to Requirements Engineering.

In this lesson we will discuss the subject of Introduction to Wireless Communications.

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Topics

The following topics will be covered in this lesson:

How Wireless Technology is Used;

Wireless Applications; and

Wireless Advantages and Disadvantages

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How Wireless Technology is Used

Wireless communications refer to connecting different devices such as computers, printers, scanners, cellular phones, and other devices without using wired or cabled connections. To enable such wireless communications, different components must be available such as a computer, communications protocols such as the Voice over Internet Protocol, VoIP, and a device called a wireless network interface card, or wireless NIC, that is connected to the computer. The role of the interface card is crucial since it is responsible for sending the data over radio waves to the target computer which is also equipped with a wireless network interface card.

Wireless communications today makes use of newer technology that utilizes Radio Frequency Identifier, or RFID. These are tags or small electronic chips that include radio transponders that can be used to track inventory as an example. Other modern forms of wireless communications include Bluetooth and Ultra Wide Band which are wireless standards designed for very short distances which ranges from few inches to several feet.

Bluetooth and UWB establish communication utilizing tiny, low-power transceivers called radio modules that are built onto small microprocessor chips. Bluetooth devices utilize a link manager which is a special software that helps recognize other Bluetooth devices, establish a connection between them, and facilitates the exchange of data among them.

The main difference between UWB and Bluetooth is that UWB can handle a lot more data at higher speeds. Bluetooth, on the other hand, has the capacity of transferring a maximum of about one Mbps at distances of up to thirty three feet, or ten meters. UWB can transmit data that ranges from one hundred Mbps to two Gbps at equivalent distances. UWB has the capability to send and receive data in a range of one hundred and fifty feet radius. Bluetooth and UWB can transmit data through physical obstacles such as walls, to one of many different devices all at the same time.

Satellite networks are utilized in order to establish wireless connectivity on a global scale. The utilization of such networks requires a device called a repeater which is located in the satellite itself. The function of a repeater is to relay the same signal to another location. An earth station broadcast a signal to the satellite using a certain frequency band. The satellite then regenerates this signal and transmits back to another earth station using a different band. The speed at which such communication is accomplished is about two hundred and fifty milliseconds.

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How Wireless Technology is Used, continued

Cellular digital technology makes available another form of wireless communication. A modern cellular telephone network is designed around the idea of low power transmitters where each cell handles several users. To accomplish that, many transmission towers should be located throughout the multiple geographical areas that the cellular network covers. This concept makes the most of the use of a limited range of frequency channels and is made possible by digital transmission technology.

A Wireless Local Area Networks, or WLAN, is an expansion of a wired Local Area Network, or LAN. The WLAN connects to the LAN utilizing a device called a wireless access point. The access point transmits data signals between all of the devices in the network which could include file servers, scanners, printers, as well as other access points. Each device that is connected to the WLAN has a wireless network interface card that carries out similar essential functions that are performed by a traditional network interface card. Instead of a cable, the wireless network interface card has a built in antenna.

WLANs perform their operations based on networking standards put forth by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, or IEEE. The IEEE has published a series of standards which includes the IEEE eight hundreds and two dot eleven a, the IEEE eight hundreds and two dot eleven b, and the eight hundreds and two dot eleven g. These standards differ in their data transmission speeds and distances. WLANs are capable of transmitting at speeds that range from eleven Mbps up to fifty four Mbps and at distances of up to three hundred and twenty five feet.

Personal computers use Web browsers, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer and Firefox, in order to surf the Internet and display its content. This accomplished by the user sending a request by typing a page Unified Resource Locator, or URL. The browser searches the Internet for the requested URL using the using the Hyper Text Transport Protocol, HTTP. If the requested page is found, the browser will display it; otherwise, an error is issued by the browser.

Today, we can access the Internet from wireless devices such cellular phones by using the Wireless Application Protocol which provides a standard way to transmit, format, and display Internet data for small wireless devices such as cell phones. This performs the standard Internet model, by permitting compatible cellular phones to directly show Internet content. Such cell phones are equipped with a micro browser which is a small program that performs the same functions as the PC browser but the pages are reformatted to fit the cell phone display.

Technology users are continually demanding more features and services from their computers. Consequently, the different devices that these users often use such as cellular phones, PDAs, and smart phones are being integrated into a single device. Digital convergence refers to the capabilities of digital devices to integrate voice, video, and text processing while being able to wirelessly connect to the Internet as well as other networks. Wireless networks play a significant role in digital convergence as users require that they be connected to their networks any time and in any place.

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Check Your Understanding

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Wireless Applications

It is hard to imagine a business today that does not make use of computer networks. The use of modern networking infrastructure still makes use of wired networks. These networks are limited in their application due to geographical limitations. Wireless networks can provide access where wired networks cannot. Wireless applications are becoming more and more popular since they provide the freedom and the flexibility to conduct everyday business anytime from anywhere.

Colleges and schools can benefit immensely from wireless technology. Many colleges and universities today offer full graduate and undergraduate degrees solely online. For the working and busy student, this is an ideal solution to earn a fully accredited degree without the need to invest the time sitting in traditional classroom. Students can access the school network from virtually any location at any time. Traditional schools and universities are also making the best of wireless technologies to provide efficient methods of providing instructions for their students. Many schools demand that students own notebook computers that are equipped with wireless connection capabilities. Such wireless model for education makes class as well as other computing resources available to students from anywhere and at any time. Wireless technology also enables the school to manage its resources efficiently which can drastically reduce the costs of managing such resources. Conventional classrooms are now connected wirelessly to computer labs and other school facilities without the need to invest the money to establish such connection through cables.

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Wireless Applications, continued

The health care industry is utilizing wireless technologies in order manage their operations much more efficiently. Wireless “point of care” computer systems make possible for medical staff to access and update patient records instantly. Many hospitals make use of handheld PDAs or notebook computers on mobile carts and bar code scanners all of which are connected to the patients’ database wirelessly. This enables health care professionals to document a patient’s medication records instantly. By scanning a patient’s armband, all the patient’s medical data is displayed including due medications and other care related tasks. If the incorrect medication or wrong amount is identified, the computer will immediately issue an alert appears on the screen. Once completed, the staff member, in this case a nurse, will indicate through the wireless network that the medication for that patient has been given, in essence, electronically signing the distribution form.

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Wireless Applications, continued

Wireless technology makes mobility possible. As a result, the travel industry was one of the pioneers in applying such technologies. Wireless global positioning systems that connect to emergency roadside assistance services have become standard features that are included in many automobiles sold today. Satellite radio broadcast is the ideal solution to the problem of losing a station outside the range of its transmission. Airport terminals are also making effective use of wireless technologies. Many airport terminals around the world transmit wireless signals that passengers can pick up on their wireless notebook computers or PDAs while waiting for their flights. They can also surf the Internet or read e-mail. Even the airplanes themselves are being equipped with wireless data access.

Wireless technologies make it possible for employees to access organizational data instantly from anywhere in the organization which makes the utilization of such data much more efficient. Traditionally, organizations had to endure the cost of physically connecting the different departments and functions. Using wireless technologies, an organization need not endure such costs. Organizational departments and functions can be connected without using the costly cabling method.

The utilization of wireless technologies provides many benefits which include mobility, increased reliability, and more rapid disaster recovery.

Wireless technologies provide a great deal of flexibility and freedom in moving around and about without having to be concerned with lost connectivity. Mobility makes it possible for users to stay connected to the network regardless of the geographical locations distribution of these users. Mobile workers such as police officers, inventory clerks, and drivers are finding that wireless communications are becoming essential in reaching new levels of efficiency in accomplishing jobs. Many employees must spend large portions of their time away from their work desks which meant not being able to be connected to organizational resources which translate into loss of productivity. Mobility allows these workers to stay connected to these organizational resources regardless of their location which provide a more productive work environment. Wireless local area networks is well suited for such work environment where mobile workers are given the flexibility and the freedom they require while still being able to access organizational resources.

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Wireless Advantages and Disadvantages, continued

Traditionally, many of the cabled network failures were due to problems with cables caused by such factors as heat, humidity, moisture, among other factors. Such problems reflected negatively on the reliability of these networks. A cable connection that is done erroneously can create problems that result in unpredictable errors that are hard to identify and troubleshoot. Utilizing wireless technology gets rid of these types of cable malfunctions and elevates the overall dependability of the network.

Computer networks are becoming an essential part of the overall business operations. Consequently, organizations must be prepared to recover such networks quickly in case of a disaster. To accomplish that, these organizations are implementing Wireless Local Area Networks as a very important part of a disaster recovery plan. Planners include laptop computers that are equipped with wireless network interface cards and access points in reserve along with backup network servers. Therefore, in the case of a disaster, employees can swiftly move the office, without the need to find a new network wired facility. Consequently, accessing the network will not be interrupted.

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Check Your Understanding

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Wireless Advantages and Disadvantages, continued

Besides the many benefits that a wireless network provides, there also disadvantages. Such disadvantages include: Radio signal interference, security issues, and health risks.

Wireless devices operate using radio signals which make it possible for two types of signal interference to take place. Signals from other devices can interrupt the transmission process of another wireless device. Even ordinary office devices, such microwave ovens, cell phones, and other heavy electrical equipment, send out radio signals that may obstruct the communication of the Wireless Local Area Network.

Wireless devices broadcast radio signals over a wide area. Consequently security becomes a main concern since network intrusions become more probable. Wireless networks handle the transmission of large amount or organizational data. If such transmission is interrupted by an intruder where such data can be stolen or tampered with, then can spell disaster for the organizations. Therefore, wireless communications have added levels of security in order to prevent such intrusions.

Wireless devices include radio transmitters and receivers that release radio frequency energy. According to health studies, the exposure to high levels of radio frequency energy can cause biological damage through heating. Even though some research has been done to address these questions, no conclusive evidence of the biological effects of this type of radiation has emerged so far.

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Summary

We have reached the end of this lesson. Let’s take a look at what we’ve covered.

We started our discussion by discussing the subject of how wireless technology is used. We indicated that wireless communications refer to connecting different devices such as computers, printers, scanners, cellular phones, and other devices without using wired or cabled connections. We also indicated that wireless communications today makes use of newer technology that utilizes Radio Frequency Identifier, or RFID. These are tags or small electronic chips that include radio transponders that can be used to track inventory as an example. Other modern forms of wireless communications include Bluetooth and Ultra Wide Band which are wireless standards designed for very short distances which ranges from few inches to several feet.

Satellite networks are utilized in order to establish wireless connectivity on a global scale. Cellular digital technology makes available another form of wireless communication. A modern cellular telephone network is designed around the idea of low power transmitters where each cell handles several users. A Wireless Local Area Networks, or WLAN, is an expansion of a wired Local Area Network, or LAN. The WLAN connects to the LAN utilizing a device called a wireless access point. The access point transmits data signals between all of the devices in the network which could include file servers, scanners, printers, as well as other access points. Wireless Internet access using wireless devices such cellular phones by using the Wireless Application Protocol which provides a standard way to transmit, format, and display Internet data for small wireless devices such as cell phones.

Next, we discussed the subject of wireless applications. We indicated that the uses and applications of wireless technologies are numerous. In our discussion, we focused on four major industries that make good use of wireless technologies. We indicated that colleges and universities benefit immensely from wireless technology. Many colleges and universities today offer full graduate and undergraduate degrees solely online. Conventional classrooms are now connected wirelessly to computer labs and other school facilities without the need to invest the money to establish such connection through cables. We also indicated that the Healthcare industry is utilizing wireless technologies in order manage their operations much more efficiently. Wireless “point of care” computer systems make possible for medical staff to access and update patient records instantly. Office environments utilize

Wireless technologies to increase employee productivity and to reduce the costs of implementing traditional wired networks. The travel industry is also making the utilization of wireless technologies a key factor in their success. Wireless global positioning systems that connect to emergency roadside assistance services have become standard features that are included in many automobiles sold today. Many airport terminals around the world transmit wireless signals that passengers can pick up on their wireless notebook computers or PDAs while waiting for their flights. They can also surf the Internet or read e-mail. Even the airplanes themselves are being equipped with wireless data access.

Finally, we discussed the subject of the advantages and disadvantages of wireless networking. We indicated that Wireless technologies provide a great deal of flexibility and freedom in moving around and about without having to be concerned with lost connectivity. Mobility makes it possible for users to stay connected to the network regardless of the geographical locations distribution of these users. Mobile workers such as police officers, inventory clerks, and drivers are finding that wireless communications are becoming essential in reaching new levels of efficiency in accomplishing jobs. We also indicated that many of the cabled network failures were due to problems with cables caused by such factors as heat, humidity, moisture, among other factors. Such problems reflected negatively on the reliability of these networks. A cable connection that is done erroneously can create problems that result in unpredictable errors that are hard to identify and troubleshoot. Utilizing wireless technology gets rid of these types of cable malfunctions and elevates the overall dependability of the network. We also indicated that computer networks are becoming an essential part of the overall business operations. Consequently, organizations must be prepared to recover such networks quickly in case of a disaster. To accomplish that, these organizations are implementing Wireless Local Area Networks as a very important part of a disaster recovery plan.

Besides the many benefits that a wireless network provides, there also disadvantages. We indicated that wireless devices operate using radio signals which make it possible for two types of signal interference to take place. Signals from other devices can interrupt the transmission process of another wireless device. Wireless devices broadcast radio signals over a wide area. Consequently security becomes a main concern since network intrusions become more probable. Wireless devices include radio transmitters and receivers that release radio frequency energy. According to health studies, the exposure to high levels of radio frequency energy can cause biological damage through heating.

This completes this lesson.