COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT WIRELESS
INTERFACE
Most
wireless networks (WLANs) are currently based on IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n. 802.11
family consists of a series of over-the-air modulation techniques that uses the
same basic protocol. It is a set of standards for implementing wireless network
(WLAN) computer communication in the 2.4, 3.6 and 5 GHz frequency bands. They
are created and maintained by the IEEE LAN/MAN Standards Committee (IEEE
802.11). The table below compares the standards:
802.11 interface
|
Frequency (GHz)
|
Speed (Mbps)
|
Bandwidth (MHz)
|
Allowable MIMO streams
|
Modulation
|
Approx. indoor range(m)
|
Approx. outdoor range
|
a
|
5 / 3.7
|
25-54
|
20
|
1
|
OFDM
|
35
|
120
|
b
|
2.4
|
5-11
|
20
|
1
|
DSSS
|
38
|
140
|
g
|
2.4
|
25-54
|
20
|
1
|
OFDM,DSSS
|
38
|
140
|
n
|
2.4/5
|
100-200+
|
20-40
|
4
|
OFDM
|
70
|
250
|
802.11 a, g
and n allows for more simultaneous users, while 802.11b allows for fewer
simultaneous users. 802.11b and g (and
if using 2.4 GHz frequency for n) uses the 2.4 GHz frequency (the same as many
microwave, ovens, cordless phones, and other appliances) which can cause
interference. We can avoid these by using a cordless phone with a higher
frequency such as 5.8 GHz. 802.11 a and n uses 5 MHz frequency, which limits interference
from other devices. 802.11a has s shorter signal range, which is more easily
obstructed by walls and other obstacles. It is not compatible with 802.11b
network adapters, routers and access points. 802.11g has good signal strength,
is not easily obstructed and is compatible with 802.11b network adapters,
routers and access points. 802.11n has the fastest speed. It uses multiple
signals and antennas for better speed. It has the best signal range and isn’t
easily obstructed. If using 2.4 GHz frequency, it is compatible with 802.11g
network adapters, routers and access points.
The best
wireless interface is the 802.11n as it has the fastest maximum speed and best
signal range. It is more resistant to signal interference from outside sources.
It was designed to improve on 802.11g in the amount of bandwidth supported by
utilizing multiple wireless signals and antennas instead of one. But due to its
high cost and low availability in India we use 802.11g as an alternative.
Now we
learnt how to setup a wireless router in my computer. First we had to enable
the Wi-fi broadband connection. For this we took a 450TC1 beetle modem and
connected it to my pc via Ethernet cable. Then opened the browser and input http://192.168.1.1 at the address column.
Then we
filled in the default user name and password provided in the manual of my
router.
Then press
enter.
Then in the
INTERFACE SETUP tab, click on wireless.
It only had
b and g interfaces. Then we contacted our service provider for all other
details. We used WEP-128bits authentication type. Then saved it. Then to enable
the Wi-fi connection, I did the following steps:
Go to
control panel.
Then network
and internet options.
Then network
and sharing center.
Then change
adapter settings.
Then click
on the available wireless network connection.
Click on its
properties.
Then go to properties
of TCP/IPV4/6.
Then I
checked the connection from bottom right corner of desktop.
It enabled
the 802.11 g type interface.
To enable
the wireless connection in linux:
Then
And then
saving it would enable the wireless connection in ubuntu.
To change
from one interface to other available interface,
Go to
control panel -> device manager
We can
modify the interface based upon our needs.
For 802.11g,
I checked the range and speed in my home. The speed was 54.0Mbps. The signal
strength was excellent when the laptop was near to the modem (10 m). But as I
went far away (18 m) from the modem the strength reduced to good and then to
poor (25 m) and then died out. Then we checked 802.11n interface in ratika’s
home. The speed was 65.0Mbps. The signal strength was excellent till 15 m, but
it grew to poor when we went far away from the modem (30 m) and then died.
This project
helped us explain the differences between the interfaces, and which would be
most suitable for different conditions.
References
used:
Contributed
by Prerna Singh and Ratika Kumar
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