CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

A computer network or data network is a telecommunications network which allows computers to exchange data. In computer networks, networked computing devices pass data to each other along network links (data connections). The connections between nodes are established using either cable media or wireless media. The best-known computer network is the Internet (Wikipedia, 2015).

        Network computer devices that originate, route and terminate the data are called network nodes. Nodes can include hosts such as personal computers, phones, servers as well as networking hardware. Two such devices can be said to be networked together when one device is able to exchange information with the other device, whether or not they have a direct connection to each other (Geier, 2001).

        Computer networks differ in the transmission media used to carry their signals, the communications protocols to organize network traffic, the network's size, topology and organizational intent. In most cases, communications protocols are layered on (i.e. work using) other more specific or more general communications protocols, except for the physical layer that directly deals with the transmission media.Computer networks support applications such as access to the World Wide Web, shared use of application and storage servers, printers, and fax machines, and use of email and instant messaging applications (Wikipedia, 2015).

        A wireless network is any type of computer network that uses wireless data connections for connecting network nodes. Wireless networking is a method by which homes, telecommunications networks and enterprise (business) installations avoid the costly process of introducing cables into a building, or as a connection between various equipment locations. Wireless telecommunications networks are generally implemented and administered using radio communication. This implementation takes place at the physical level (layer) of the OSI model network structure.Examples of wireless networks include cell phone networks, Wi-Fi local networks and terrestrial microwave networks.

Wireless media uses the antennas for sending andreceiving the electromagnetic waves without using anyphysical conductors. Radio frequencies (RF) are generatedby antennas that propagate the waves into the air.According to Molisch (2005), antennas for wireless transmission can be fall under twodifferent categories:

• Directional antennas: Directional antennas are commonly used in point-to-pointconfigurations connecting two distant buildingsLANs, and sometimes point-to-multipoint (connecting twoWLANs). In this, sending and receiving antenna must beproperly aligned for proper transmission.An example of a directional antenna is a Yagi antenna: thisantenna allows you to adjust the direction and focus of thesignal to strengthen the range/reach.
• Omni-directional antennas:  Omni-directional antennas are used in point-tomulti-pointconfigurations, where they distribute thewireless signal to other computers or devices in WLAN. Anaccess point would use an Omni-directional antenna. Theseantennas can also be used for point-to-point connections. Inthis, signal is spread in all directions and can be received byany antenna which is compatible to receive the signals.

However, this study is aimed at providing an overview on computer networking with specific emphasis on wireless network.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Wireless network is a network through which datasignals flow through the air. It’s useful for people tocommunicate and access applications and informationwithout wires (Rappaport, 2002). It allows people to interact with e-mail orbrowse the Internet from a location that they prefer.Wireless networks are not bound to a channel to follow likewired networks.Wireless networking is less expensive and much easier toinstall than more traditional wired networking. Wirelessnetworking is used at the airport, or in hotel lobbies, and asmall office or home network etc. The transmitted distancecan be anywhere between a few meters as a television’sremote control and thousands of kilometers as radiocommunication.

Wireless network uses the antennas for sending andreceiving the electromagnetic waves without using anyphysical conductors. Radio frequencies (RF) are generatedby antennas that propagate the waves into the air (Rhoton, 2001). A detailed overview of wireless network will be highlighted in this study.

1.3   OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The following are the objectives of this study:

1. To provide an overview on wireless network
2. To examine the different types of wireless network
3. To determine the structure and components of a wireless network
4. To analyze the advantages of wireless network

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is a wireless network?
2. What are the different types of wireless network?
3. What are the structure and components of a wireless network?
4. What are the advantages of wireless network?

1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study on the computer networking using wireless network has the following significance:

1. It will educate the general public on the details about computer networking with more emphasis on wireless network. It will also familiarize students and the general public about the structure and components of wireless network and most importantly the various types of wireless networks that exists.
2. This research will be a contribution to the body of literature in the area of the relationship between performance assessment and investment decision, thereby constituting the empirical literature for future research in the subject area.

1.7   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study on computer networking using wireless network will provide an overview of computer networking with more emphasis on wireless networks. It will also cover all the types of wireless network that exists, structure and components of the wireless network.

1.8   DEFINITION OF TERMS

Computer: an electronic device which is capable of receiving information (data) in a particular form and of performing a sequence of operations in accordance with a predetermined but variable set of procedural instructions (program) to produce a result in the form of information or signals.

Networking: connection of computers together in order to make them share information

Internet: a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols

Communication: the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium.

Wireless network: wireless is the term used to describe any computer network where there is no physical wired connection between sender and receiver, but rather the network is connected by radio waves and/or microwaves to maintain communications.

REFERENCES

Geier, J. (2001). Wireless LANs.Sams;.ISBN 0-672-32058-4.

Molisch, A. (2005). Wireless Communications.Wiley-IEEE Press.ISBN 0-470-84888-X.

Rappaport, T. (2002). Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice. Prentice Hall.ISBN 0-13-042232-0.

Rhoton, J. (2001). The Wireless Internet Explained. Digital Press.ISBN 1-55558-257-5.

Kostas P. (2005). "Wireless Data Networks".Internet Protocol Journal 8 (1).Retrieved 29 August 2011.

Wikipedia (2015): www.wikipedia.com