Hello,

I need two responses of at least 150 words each for the below students discussions for this week. Also in the bold below are the questions the students at answering.

Topic 1: Low-Speed Wireless Local Area Networks

1. Describe the two different types of WLAN Modes and list their components. What are the drawbacks and limitations of each?

Learning Objectives Covered

• List the components and modes of a WLAN

You will:

1. Describe the two different types of WLAN Modes and list their components
2. List the drawbacks and the limitations of each.

Student one:

Hello everyone,

According to our text book, the two types of Wireless Local Area Networks are ad hoc mode (also known as Peer-to-Peer) and infrastructure mode

Ad hoc mode, which is also known as peer-to-peer (P2P) is essentially when multiple devices are directly connected to each other without the need of an access point (AP). Our text book states that, “its formal name in the 802.11 standard is Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS)” (Olenewan). Users might use this mode when in need to set up a quick local network such as a presentation or even emergency medical situations where cables are not present. Another advantage is if there are a low number of users connected to one another, the speed of data transfer could be better. Some of the disadvantages of using ad hoc mode involve a kind of traffic jam with large number of users connected. Another downfall is that there is a lack of security as it seems that a Service Set Identifier (SSID) and channel must be broadcasted in order to have other users connect, which can attract unwanted guests if they are close enough. Also, there is no way to check the status of the security measures or traffic because there is no one single point in which data flows.

Infrastructure mode, also known as Basic Service Set (BSS) is a little more complicated. In this mode, devices are required to have at least one AP in order to be connected to the network. Depending on the amount of users, more than one AP might be required to help ease the traffic burden. For this standard of WLAN, each AP’s MAC address is called Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID), or Extended Service Set (ESS) for multiple APs. Because it requires an AP that is wired, it is meant mainly for everyday use in settings such as homes, schools, and businesses. This mode also does better when it comes to range, as it needs more APs added or readjusted to help users have connectivity. The main disadvantage though is the cost of upgrading to the newest hardware, which is constant due to improved attacks.

-Andres

References:

Mitchell, B. (2019, 02). A Guide to Ad-Hoc Mode in Networking . Retrieved 06, 2019, from https://www.lifewire.com/ad-hoc-mode-in-wireless-networking-816560

Mitchell, B. (2019, 05). Understanding Infrastructure Mode in Wireless Networking . Retrieved 06, 2019, from https://www.lifewire.com/infrastructure-mode-in-wireless-networking-816539

Olenewa, J. Guide to Wireless Communications. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781285700267/

Student two:

Hello classmates!

In order to transmit data, RF WLAN has two different modes; ad hoc mode and infrastructure mode. Ad hoc mode’s formal name in the 802.11 standard is Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). It is a peer-to-peer mode that allows wireless client communication directly without the use of an AP. You can think of ad hoc mode kind of like a pop up wireless communication system. Establishing an ad hoc mode wireless communication setup is swift and easily accomplished which makes it ideal for locations where a more permanently installed network is not needed.

Infrastructure mode can be considered or more permanent WLAN installation. In this mode, at least one wireless client is connected to an AP. If there is a need to add more users to the WLAN connection or a need to increase coverage area, more APs can be added on later.

Both of these modes rely on most of the same components, most notably, a wireless network interface card and at least one access point as previously mentioned. The wireless network interface card is the piece of hardware that allows the device to connect to the network and transmit data. The access point is exactly what it sounds like; it allows LAN wireless LAN devices a point of entry onto the network.

These modes both have their advantages and disadvantages depending on purpose they are to be used for. As previously stated, ad hoc mode is more preferable for a temporary network setup while infrastructure mode caters more towards a permanent network installation.

Reference: Olenewa, J. Guide to Wireless Communications. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/97812857002…