Essay on Wireless Technology: Utilizing Air for Data Transmission

Introduction

Wireless technology utilizes air to transmit information without the use of cables or wires [1]. It utilizes electromagnetic waves such as radiofrequency waves, infra-red, and satellite, among others. Wireless local-area networks (LANs), for example, use high-frequency electromagnetic waves for data transmission [2]. They also utilize Opens System Interconnect (OSI) reference model in data transmission. Presently wireless networks range from smartphones, tablets, laptops, computers, Bluetooth technology, and even printers. Wireless networks and communication have become an essential part of most communication devices that allow users to communicate from remote areas.

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There are several types of wireless communication. They include IR wireless communication, broadcast radio, satellite communication, microwave radio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, among others [1]. In this assessment, Jan needs a wireless communication network that can be accessed through any location; cost-efficient, secure, and cannot be interfered with by cordless phone or microwaves. Jan’s situation calls for a flexible wireless communication network that is efficient and cost-effective, and the best option is Wi-Fi.

Importance of Home Office and Proposed Solution

A majority of companies and organizations are adopting flexible working schedules to maximize on their talents and skills to achieve a balance work and family [3]. The case study presents a typical workplace scenario where Jan can work remotely from home, as she goes through her pregnancy and the postpartum period. However, choosing an efficient home office is easier said than done. Individuals must choose a location that provides a proper working environment and a place where an individual can boost his/her productivity. Besides, having a dedicated home office ensures that one achieve their specific work targets during the day in a quick manner.

Having an ergonomic working space at home is a top priority, as in the case of Jan. An ergonomic workplace provides a comfortable working area that improves wellness and productivity [3]. It features arrangement and modification of existing equipment and furniture and the installation of support items that align and support the work processes. Such items include office chair, access to a phone, printing equipment and materials and internet connectivity, a good light source, and a laptop or desktop and accessories. A wireless communication network is an ideal internet connection for a home office. These networks are inexpensive, easy to install, cost-efficient, and easy to secure, as they require only a password. Jan needs to consider a highly efficient wireless communication network that will be highly effective for her bulk data files. A slow connection is not an option for Jan, given the volumes of files exchanged.

Overview of Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is a wireless network that allows internet interfaces among devices such as computers, mobile phones, and other devices such as printers and video cameras [4]. Through Wi-Fi, these devices can exchange information with another, thus creating a network. To enable Wi-Fi connection, a device known as a router need to be installed. A router is a hardware device used by internet service providers to connect their users to their cable. The router is also known as a wireless local area network (WLAN) device. Wi-Fi networks can reach up to 100m in the open air, but it typically ranges from 10-35 meters [4]. The antenna strength, as well as frequency broadcast, can affect the effective range of the network.

How the Proposed Wi-Fi solution meets the Requirements

Wi-Fi is highly efficient for Jan as it will first allow her to connect to all her devices from laptop, printer, and the mobile phone. The recommended Wi-Fi frequency for her work to proceed smoothly without any interactions would be 5GHz. It would allow her to effectively download her large files and send them back to the office effectively. Such high frequencies do not allow for wide range access, as it ranges from 10-35 meters. Wi-Fi networks do not interfere with broadband access in her home [4]. Also, Wi-Fi is cost-efficient as she will only need to be paying a monthly access fee to her network providers to ensure continuous access. To secure her Wi-Fi network, she will need to secure it with a password to limit external access. Wi-Fi routers are readily available from authorized dealers, and they often have teams that remotely install these routers at the user’s home [4]. With the router installed and all devices connected, she would need to configure her network and install a password that would only allow her to access the network.

Site Design

Installing a wireless communication network requires that one conducts a thorough site survey by utilizing tools that are sophistically simulated hence creating a model of radio frequency within the location. Predictive design trends must be cost and time effective and with high levels of accuracy [5]. After the site survey is complete, and the RF plan should be obtained to illustrate the predictive building coverage. The plan shows the speeds of the anticipated connection as well as the signal to noise ratio. A wireless capacity plan should be conducted to identify how many devices a plan can support. Capacity planning implies that one has to connect the correct hardware. There are different models in the market, and identifying the right model for a home office is highly crucial for attaining highly effective network connectivity [5].

Having the correct hardware that fits the selected design is essential in site design [5]. Choosing a highly efficient router is vital, as efficiency is a crucial element, especially when working remotely with devices such as a computer, printer, and mobile device, as in the case of Jan. The site design also has to factor in security measures, as there are people who would always connect their devices to the wireless network [5]. The wireless provider has to map out how the installed internet connection will support any security concern on-site, for instance, the family members or neighbors at Jan’s home. When preparing for a digital transformation in a home office, having a fast and reliable Wi-Fi network is critical. Being ahead always means that one has to have the right wireless network design [5].

Communication Channels and Transmission Techniques used by the Wireless Network

Wi-Fi networks have unique characteristics based on the frequencies selected. 2.4 GHz is a low-frequency technology that is applied [6]. However, in an area where many devices utilize the network, they interfere with one another and pass-through windows and walls easily. 5GHz, on the other hand, uses few devices and achieve high speeds due to a less crowded frequency [6]. It does not pass through windows and walls, but their range is shorter. Each band is divided into multiple channels. 2.4GHz has 14 channels, but they overlap and cannot be used simultaneously; hence when setting up a mesh network, the links have to be on the same channel. In the United States channels, 12 to 14 are forbidden for Wi-Fi, as satellite devices and TV use these frequencies. In the other parts of the world, frequencies 1 to 13 are usable. The best channels in the U.S. that use 2GHz band equipment utilize channels 1,6 and 11 to minimize the interface caused by overlapping [6].

5GHz band is wider and has more channels, and they do not overlap. It also possesses more channels; hence, it is easier to select a channel within this band, as it does not cause any interface unless there is more equipment that utilizes this network. The available building mesh networks in the United States include 36, 40, 44, 48, 149, 153, 157, 161, and 161 [6].before installing the 5 GHz network, Jan must research the best network allowed in her area. Setting up wireless networks implies determining the right frequency to use and the channel to apply. The power of the router affects the selected network design and the number of equipment required. Wi-Fi routers have different power capacities; others are stronger, although manufacturers do not publish how much power their router can transmit [6]. A router with 10mW is highly effective for an indoor home office. Utilizing a directional antenna, in this case, allows the signal to be directed in one direction, and it forms a cone-shaped area in front of the antenna [6].

Limitations of the Selected Wireless Devices

The main limitation of wireless networks is its susceptibility to interference [2]. WLAN complies with IEEE 802.11b, an unlicensed radio spectrum shared by multiple individuals; hence, interference reduces network effectiveness. Security is also a significant concern for these networks as hardware and software keep evolving [2], [1]. Security implementations change over time and may not effective when wireless networks are updated [2].

Conclusion

To conclude, wireless networks such as Wi-Fi are highly effective in home offices as they allow the user to connect it to all the devices. Jan, in this case, can utilize Wi-Fi to achieve the company expectations. However, she must conduct a thorough site survey to install a router to meet her needs effectively. Selecting the right frequency, efficient router, and antenna are crucial elements to consider before installing her Wi-Fi connectivity. Wi-Fi network allows her to secure accessibility easily and does not interfere with the established broadband network. Despite the efficiency, Wi-Fi can be interfered with the existing radio frequencies, and it possesses high-security concerns due to its evolution and updates installed.

References

[1]M. Islam and S. Jin, "An Overview Research on Wireless Communication Network", Advances in Wireless Communications and Networks, vol. 5, no. 1, p. 19, 2019. Available: 10.11648/j.awcn.20190501.13.

[2]E. Enad and G. Muhanna, "Computer Wireless Networking and Communication," International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer and Communication Engineering, vol. 2, no. 8, pp. 3210-3215, 2013. Available: https://www.ijarcce.com/upload/2013/august/52-O-nassar010-Computer%20Wireless%20Networking%20and%20communication-1.pdf. [Accessed 31 August 2020].

[3]N. Bloom, J. Liang, J. Roberts and Z. Ying, "Does Working from Home Work? Evidence from a Chinese Experiment*", The Quarterly Journal of Economics, vol. 130, no. 1, pp. 165-218, 2014. Available: https://nbloom.people.stanford.edu/sites/g/files/sbiybj4746/f/wfh.pdf.

[4]Cisco, "What Is Wi-Fi? - Definition and Types", Cisco, 2020.[Online]. Available: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/wireless/what-is-wifi.html. [Accessed: 31- Aug- 2020].

[5]M. Pierce, "What Should be Included in a Wireless Network Design for Businesses?", Securedgenetworks.com, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/what-should-be-included-in-a-wireless-network-design. [Accessed: 31- Aug- 2020].

[6]Commotion, "Learn Wireless Basics", Commotionwireless.net, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://commotionwireless.net/docs/cck/networking/learn-wireless-basics/. [Accessed: 31- Aug- 2020].