It 242 Wireless Signals

Individual: Wireless Signals

Scott Hix

IT 242

Dr. Barbara A. Lewis

August 21, 2011

Individual: Wireless Signals

Wireless LANs communicate using signals contained within the wireless spectrum. “All wireless signals are carried through the air along electromagnetic waves” (Regan, 2004). Electromagnetic waves have both electric and magnetic properties that allow them to carry a signal through the atmosphere. Wireless signals are all forms of radiation which include infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, radio waves, microwaves, and x-rays. Here is a breakdown of the signals and their uses.

We will begin with a table to reference during the reading.

Media | Frequency range | Cost | Ease of installation | Capacity range |

Low-power single frequency | Entire RF, high GHz is most common | Moderate (depends on equipment) | Simple | <1 to 10 Mbps |

High-power single frequency | Entire RF, high GHz is most common | Moderately expensive | Difficult | <1 to 10 Mbps |

Spread spectrum radio | Entire RF, 902 to 928 MHz in U.S., 2.4 GHz band is most common | Moderate (depends on equipment) | Simple to moderate | 2 to 6 Mbps |

Terrestrial microwave | Low GHz, 4 to 6 or 21 to 23 is most common | Moderate to high (depends on equipment) | Difficult | <1 to 10 Mbps |

Satellite microwave | Low GHz, 11 to 14 GHz | High | Extremely difficult | <1 to 10 Mbps |

Point-to-point infrared | 100 GHz to 1000 THz | Low to moderate | Moderate to difficult | <1 to 16 Mbps |

Broadcast infrared | 100 GHz to 1000 THz | Low | Simple | <=1 Mbps |

(Regan, 2004)

Low-power single frequency transmissions are good for small coverage areas and low speed communications. This type of transmission would suit an access point that covered a single large room. High-power single frequency transmissions will cover a larger area with the same speed of low-power transmissions. This type of transmission would cover the whole floor of a building....