Wireless Network Capabilities - Essay Example

 Wireless Network Capabilities Abstract The recent advances in wireless network capabilities have increasingly provided a number of secure and reliable platforms particularly for mobile handset companies. The popularity of the contemporary wireless network technologies such as Bluetooth 4.0, GSM, NFC, UMTs and LTE among others is largely attributed to their ability to seamlessly connect mobile networks and wireless devices thereby allowing access to vast amounts of data regardless of time and location. This paper focuses on the technical capabilities of the recent advancements in wireless networks and the feasibility of using a new handset product known as HyperSlim PX on such wireless computing and networking capabilities. The past few decades have witnessed a tremendous growth in population of wireless network users who are increasingly demanding high performance and reliability of wireless computing and networking services. As a result the contemporary wireless network technologies have currently undergoing dramatic changes and rapid developments in order to keep up with the rising demand for a wide range of cost effective multimedia applications as well as overcome some of the challenges posed by the scarcity of wireless resource (Stallings, 2005, p.108). According to many analysts, mobile handsets are currently one of the fastest growing segments in the computer industry. Although most owners of mobile handsets also have LAN and WAN connection in their offices, they need wireless connection when they are away from the offices and this has led to more interest in wireless network capabilities. Mobile networking is considered to be one of the rapidly growing and most important technologies during the last decade. The advances in both software and hardware have resulted in a number of new wireless networking technologies and mobile hosts. Generally most of the current wireless network technologies such as Bluetooth 4.0, GSM, NFC, UMTs, LTE and802.11n have a number of varying capabilities that can enable users of mobile handset products such as HyperSlim PX to use their portable wireless network devices to send and receive files, telephone calls, electronic mails, keep records as well as login on remote machines regardless of their locations and time. Apart from being energy efficient, these wireless technologies often have special topology features and resource requirements that make them significantly different from the ordinary computer networks. This paper focuses on the technical capabilities of the recent advancements in wireless networks and the feasibility of using a new handset product known as HyperSlim PX on such wireless computing and networking capabilities. Some of their technical challenges such as security vulnerabilities and the level of energy consumption of these technologies are also discussed. 802.11n (WI-Fi) wireless network 802.11n generally refers to the IEEE industry standard for Wi-Fi wireless network communications that was ratified in 2009. The design of 802.11n was primarily meant to replace the older Wi-Fi technologies such as 802.11a, 802.11g and 802.11b. With regard to the capabilities of this wireless network platform, 802.11n currently employs multiple wireless antennas in a system in order to transmit and receive data. Wi-Fi technology has emerged to become one of the most popular wireless networking technologies that is currently used provide broadband connectivity options by a number of mobile handset manufacturing firms. Users can effectively use the features of 802.11n for a number of functionalities such as sending and receiving data, video surveillance, broadband internet connections and meter reading among others. One of the important capabilities of 802.11n with regard to its application in the upcoming HyperSlim PX mobile handset products is that the network technology currently provides greater data capacity and throughput and a comparatively cost effective price. For example, the ability of 802.11n to effectively coordinate multiple simultaneous radio signals is often defined using as Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) (Fleishman, 2009, p.13). In this regard, the mobile handset firm can potentially use the MIMO feature of 802.11n to increase both the throughput and range of the wireless network of their HyperSlim PX mobile handset products. Additionally since the technologies used in 802.11n usually involves increasing the channel bandwidth, HyperSlim PX mobile handset products will have an advantage of using a preset Wi-Fi channel on which to transmit or receive data from other devices. Each of the .11n channels will then be required to use a larger frequency range as compared to the frequency ranges that were pre3viously used in the earlier versions and standards such as such as 802.11a and 802.11b. On the other hand, the performance of 802.11n as a wireless network technology will fairly be sufficient for HyperSlim PX products. This is particularly because 802.11n wireless connections generally support a maximum network bandwidth of up to 300Mbps depending on the number of wireless radios that are incorporated into a particular device. Prior to the official ratification of 802.11n, most network manufactures sold Pres-N Network devices which were primarily based on the preliminary draft of 802.11n standard. Although such older devices are compatible with 802.11n, firmware upgrade is usually required to ensure that they effectively work with the wireless network technology. Wireless Network Capabilities of Bluetooth 4.0 The introduction of Bluetooth 4.0 in the market has significantly increased the popularity of Bluetooth and expanded its usage to a number of mobile network devices. According to Stallings (2005, p.66),the new version of Bluetooth technology is a powerful wireless networking standard that seamlessly transmit data through low power radio waves and it comes with additional important enhancements which ensures a fully integrated digital life whereby every device can form part of the user’s personal network. As a short range wireless communication network, manufactures can effectively integrate Bluetooth into a wide range of mobile devices such as wireless computer devices, wireless headphones and cellular devices to allow them interact with other devices within the immediate vicinity. One of the potential wireless network capabilities of Bluetooth 4.0 that can be of significant value to the HyperSlim PX mobile handset products is that the technology uses extremely weak signals that allow the devices to avoid interfering with the frequencies of medical, industrial and scientific devices that may be within the vicinity. In my opinion, this is an important feature that will significantly increase the popularity of HyperSlim PX among individuals who work in conditions where signal interference may be undesirable. With regard to its energy efficiency, the use of low signals also means that devices designed to use Bluetooth 4.0 standard will be able to effectively function on low power and this is particularly essential for use in mobile handset devices such as HyperSlim PX. Since one of the major worries of the vendors engineering team was the new device will have poor battery life due to its many applications, it is worth noting that Bluetooth 4.0 uses virtually no power and will therefore be more convenient for their small battery operated HyperSlim PX mobile products. Additionally Bluetooth 4.0 can also be used to expand the wireless capabilities of a given product to other different types of mobile wireless network devices. Consequently HyperSlim PX will be able to communicate with other unrelated devices such as wristwatches, scales, thermometer and medical bracelets. Generally these networking applications were previously impossible because of the high power consumption of most wireless technologies before the introduction of Bluetooth 4.0. Currently, the efficiency of the technology has many important applications some of which include medical devices, fitness and health monitors, direct communication with smart phones, computers. In summary, Bluetooth 4.0 not only allows users to wake their devices “on command” but it also saves the uses from the having to continually charge their devices. Near Field Communication (NFC) Near Field Communication which is commonly known as NFC is a new exciting wireless technology that enables wireless devices to retrieve and interpret data obtained from other devices that are closely located near the NFC device. As opposed to other wireless networking technologies, near field communication (NFC) uses inductive-coupling technology where by both power and data can be shared through coupled inductive circuits between devices placed within close proximity (Saylor, M. 2012, pp.213). HyperSlim PX mobile products may employ some of these important features and allow the users of the new wireless devices to read information from other devices by simply passing their mobile devices close to another gadget. Although the contactless of NFC technology device interactions is comparatively similar to Bluetooth 4.0, near filed communication is currently still not very popular. The technology however has a number of potential attractive applications for both the current and the future wireless devices such as HyperSlim PX mobile products which will soon be released into the market. For example, it may be used to provide a fairly compact way of communicating information for numerous applications such as social media or advertising purposes. In terms of power consumption, NFC operates on less just like Bluetooth 4.0 protocol and does not require any pairing. However when NFC devices are retrieving information from devices that are turned off, smart posters or contactless credit card, its power consumption may be slightly increase since some extra power is required to illuminate the passive tag. Another potential use of the capabilities of NFC in HyperSlim PX is conducting contactless payment system whereby the devices will simply be swiped at NFC readers installed in places such as near store cash registers in order to allow users make contactless payment. Consequently NFC HyperSlim PX mobile products will be used as RFID or smart card readers and this can potentially attract a considerable customer base for the new products not only in the payment systems but also in the transportation sector. Lastly, with regard to the security vulnerabilities of using NFC on HyperSlim PX mobile products, the technology is considered to be more secure than the other technologies because the transactions usually take place within a shorter range. It is however important to note that although the communication range may only be a few centimeters, there are still a few possibilities of attacks. For example NFC does not have any protection against eavesdropping and can sometimes be vulnerable to data modification by malicious intruders. Lastly, due to the nature of protocols used by NFC devices, the HyperSlim PX mobile products will also be vulnerable to relay attacks where by malicious users can use to NFC enabled devices to carry out their attack. Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) has a number of distinctive features most importantly being that it comes with high speed of integrated data, voice data, fax, voicemail and mostly used sms features, the GSM makes sure all the communications made between networks are secured and protected from intruders and frauds. It also assists in bringing the concept of being mobile way beyond the limits hence enables us to communicate across longer distances (Mouly, 2002, p.340). When it comes to support of multiple frequency levels example 900HMZ, 1800HMZ, 1900HMZ, used in different parts of the world is has been of greater help because we can use different frequency bands where we have; dual bands, tri-bands, quad-bands which enables GSM phones to road almost everywhere in the world hence making communication possible. It delivers very good quality voice and support useful services and standards therefore remains the only mobile communication network technology to be adopted by each and every country worldwide.GSM and Hyperslim PX are highly linked in the sense that GSM network helps hyperslim px in ultra responsive answer to mobile performance, providing high speed multi-tasking, quick web page loading, quick reaction speeds and smoother user interface. The GSM customers using Hyperslim PX also roams GSM networks all over the world. Worldwide quad-band within GSM network helps for surfing by Hyperslim PX which is also compatible with the WCDMA. Finally ASI+ found in the GSM can also be used in the Hyperslim PX in the GPS because it is compatible with most brands of GPS software found in this device. Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)  UMTS is a third generation broadband based technology that is largely used on GSM standard. Universal Mobile Telecommunications System is normally used by most manufactures to allow the transmission of text, video, digitalized voice and multimedia at a speed of up to 2Mbps. One of the main capabilities of this technology is that it offers a consistent set of services to the users of mobile devices such as HyperSlim PX regardless of the location of the users. In this regard, the new product will provide users with a reliable wireless network connection through a combination of satellite and wireless transmissions. Specifically some of the capabilities UMTS network devices include attractive color displays, ability to operate over a wide range of other networks such as GSM and GPRS, lower network latency, high speed data services as well as compatibility with a number of virtual private network products (VPN) (Martin, 2006, p.49). Generally some of the potential features of UMTS that makes it feasible with the new HyperSlim PX products include its ability to transfer up to 42Mbps when used with HSPA+ networks. Consequently the potential markets of the devices will likely to be users of mobile applications such as video calling and mobile TV and high speed internet access. When it comes to power consumption concerns, UMTS is generally considered to be more power intensive compared to the other contemporary GSM networks and consequently the devices using this network tend to have poor battery life (Hillebrand, 2001, p.58). It is however worth noting that as network and battery technology continues to improve, the issue of high power consumption of UMTS is likely to be solved in the future. On the other hand, UMTS has a number of security mechanisms that will be of significant value to HyperSlim PX products. For example, the network protocol has a user authentication mechanism that ensures the credentials stored in the SIM card are always protected. Additionally the data communications between service providers and the users is usually encrypted and therefore the devices are relatively secure. Long Term Evolution (LTE) Wireless Network Technologies Long Term Evolution wireless network technology which is often marketed as 4GLTE is network standard for high speed wireless communication and transfer of data between mobile handset devices and data terminals. Based on the other common network technologies such as GSM and UMTS, LTE uses a different radio interface to increase both the speed and capacity of data transmissions and is therefore regarded as a natural upgrade path for the previous networks. Although many countries are still using different frequency bands and multi band phones, it is currently anticipated that LTE is likely to become the first global mobile handset standard (Brian, 2001, p.28). With regard to the feasibility of using Long Term Evolution with HyperSlim PX products, some of the likely advantages of using LTE as a standard for wireless network communication include increased capacity and speed of wireless data transmissions that are particularly enhanced using modern technologies such as digital signal processing and data modulations. Another important capability of the network standard is that as compared to the contemporary 3G network architectures, the simplification of LTE network architecture significantly helps in the reduction of transfer latency. Despite its numerous advantages, some of the limitations of Long Term Evolution wireless network technology include incompatibility with the previous 2G and 3G networks and this therefore means the devices will have to be operated on separate wireless spectrums. Parkvall and Astely(2009,p.148) argues that mobile handset manufacture also have to content with the high power consumption that is often associated with the use of LTE wireless network technologies. For example, compared to 2G and 3G networks, 4G networks consumes a lot of power because of their added capabilities and features. Consequently the handsets are likely to face the challenge of shorter battery life in the upcoming devices. Lastly, although LTE has fewer security vulnerabilities compared to the other traditional networks and the standard is therefore more secure. Instant Infrastructure-less peer-to-peer communication There is a significant feasibility of designing the up coming HyperSlim PX mobile handset devices to be able to communicate through instant infrastructure free network connection with any nearby HyperSlim PX devices. For example with the current networking and computing capabilities such as the infrastructure free mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), users of such devices will be able to effectively achieve peer to peer communication without the need for any infrastructure (Johansson, 2000, p.251). Generally some of the key features that characterize instant infrastructure less peer to peer computing paradigms such as MANETs include resource sharing as well as communication between nearly network devices. The feasibility of using instant infrastructure less between HyperSlim PX mobile handset devices within close proximity is dependent on a number of advantages as well as some of the limitations of this wireless communication technology. According to Pagnani and Rossi (1999, p.186), the key capabilities of infrastructure-less communication that makes it a technology of great opportunities for many manufactures include effective distribution of network operations, autonomy of the mobile device terminals, multihop routing capability and a dynamic network topology for the infrastructure less network users. Another potential advantage of infrastructure-less communication to devices such as HyperSlim PX is that setting the network does require large amounts of bespoke software installation and the power consumption is also relatively low compared to the traditional network standards. According to many analysts, ad hoc wireless connections have a number of security vulnerabilities such as the risk of data packets being relayed by malicious neighbors. This problem can however be solved through key management and authentication to limit the accessibility of the data packets. Lastly, the other problems that makes infrastructure less communication to be potentially less feasible for use with HyperSlim PX include the fact that the range of wireless transmission in this kind of network is usually limited and any mobility may induce data transmission errors and packet losses. Conclusion and recommendations In view of the capabilities and features of the various wireless technologies discussed in this paper, I would recommend Bluetooth 4.0 and Near field communication (NFC) as some of the wireless communication technologies that are feasible for the yet to be launched HyperSlim PX handset devices. This is particularly because as opposed to the other network standards and protocols, both Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC generally function on low power and are therefore essential for use in mobile handset devices such as HyperSlim PX. Consequently their use will help solve poor battery life which was one of the major worries of the vendors engineering team. Lastly, the two technologies not only require less bespoke software but are also considered to be more secure than the other technologies their communications usually take place within shorter ranges. References Brian W.2001. Research Directions for Fourth Generation Wireless. Boston: Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Hillebrand, F. 2001. GSM and UMTS: The Creation of Global Mobile Communications. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Johansson, P. L. 2000. Wireless ad hoc networking: the art of networking without a network, Ericsson Review,(4), pp. 248-263. Martin, S. 2006.Communication Systems for the Mobile Information Society. 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