Wireless Local Area Network - Report Example

Computer Networking Student’s Name Institute Table of Contents Computer Networking 1 Table of Contents 2 Introduction 2 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) 4 Advantages 5 Disadvantages 6 Rack Servers 7 Advantages 8 Disadvantages 8 Advanced LAN technologies 9 Conclusion 11 References 12 Introduction Over the years, enormous strides have been made in regards to computer technology, which is attributed to always changing trends of the world. These dynamic characteristics of the world have led to the advancement in computer technology to cope up with the needs of the daily computers users. Additionally, computers have become an integral part I the running of business as well as storage of extremely vital information. This further creates a need to have a computer that is up to task with the day to day activities. One area that has witnessed significant changes is in regards to networking of computers. Networking of computers is crucial in almost every business setup as it reduces the need for individuals to move from one computer to the other in search of information. Therefore, networking refers to where computers are integrated together to allow exchange of information between computer users (Lowe 2004). Additionally, computer networking allows communication between the various computer users. Therefore, this allows computer users to collect information from other computers from their workstations. Initially computer networking was based on the use of cables but as technology evolves so did computer networking. This is evident with the development of wireless local area network (WLAN) connection. This technology allows the communication and exchange of information between computers wirelessly (Singal 2010). This technology is characterized by various aspects that make it a success as will be discussed in this paper. This also looks at servers used for hosting networks and in particular rack servers. Rack servers are characterized by the use of rack used to mount multiple servers of which are integrated together and can be controlled from one computer. Rack servers are used to control the network setup in any organization and bear various distinctions from other server types such tower servers (Reid & Lorenz, 2007). Finally, this paper looks at advancements that have been made to LAN technologies. These developments are aimed at ensuring that LAN technologies are capable of meeting the emerging demands of networking. One of such development is fiber distributed data interface (FDDI), which makes use of the growing use of fiber optic cables. This is a move from the commonly used Ethernet cables (Ogletree & Mueller 2002). Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Wireless Local Area Network connection is an evolution from the previous local area network connection that encompassed the use of cables to connect various computers. WLAN was advanced by IEEE who in 1997 developed the first standard WLAN 802.11. This was after numerous attempts that were made to facilitate wireless connectivity. However, the presiding hurdles at the time discouraged many from venturing into wireless LAN and opting to stick to wired connection. This made IEEE to try and provide a solution to the wireless LAN leading to the first wireless LAN standard. WLAN encompasses the use of electromagnetic waves, which allow it to communicate and exchange information from one computer to another without necessarily connecting the computers physically. In other words, WLAN uses radio frequencies to communicate and exchange information between rather than using wired connections (Kane & Yen 2006). This has been made possible by the use of the access point at which computers are configured to use. The access point enables computers to with Wi-Fi to connect to each other with much ease. However, WLAN is normally limited to a certain radius which in most instances it is 100 meters depending on the routers used. Therefore, this means that for one to enjoy WLAN, they have to be based within the stipulated radius. A WLAN connection is demonstrated by figure 1 Fig. 1 WLAN connection. However, concerns have been raised as to the security of using WLAN as a medium for exchange of information. This is because the existing security systems put in place for WLAN have demonstrated loopholes which could be utilized to conduct malicious activities. One of the earliest security measures developed was Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) which encompasses the use of PIN codes (Badra et al 2007). However, this PIN codes are vulnerable to brute force attack thus compromising the security of WLAN users. This was later followed by Wi-Fi Protected Access, (WPA) and Wi-Fi protected Setup (WPS), but just like WEP they have proven incapable of safeguarding WLAN connection (Hneiti & Ajlouni 2006) Advantages The introduction of WLAN came with various benefits when compared to wired connections, which has led to many opting for WLAN to wired connection. One of the most obvious advantages of using WLAN is mobility. Since WLAN does not require the use of cables to connect to computers, it becomes flexible to computer users to operate their computers from any place as long as they are within the stipulated distance. Additionally, WLAN allows computer users to be flexible especially when they are disadvantaged and require communicating with each other to fulfill a specific task. This is evident by the ability to establish ad hoc network, which would allow individuals to exchange vital information as illustrated in figure 2. This ability to create ad hoc networks also translates to portability. This means that individuals can still move from place to place without necessarily breaking the connection while still carrying their computers. The 802.11 standard developed by IEEE also made it possible for interoperability of WLAN devices. Therefore, it is easier to use WLAN devices from various developers without the fear of them being unable to operate together. Fig. 2. Wireless Ad hoc connections. Disadvantages One of the main disadvantages associated with the use of WLAN is the fact that it is easily compromised. This is to mean that the WLAN does not provide a secure connection and can therefore, be exploited by external users leading to loss of vital information. Additionally, WLAN does not support a high number of network user since as the number of users' increase, the speed rate reduces. Therefore, this shows that WLAN can only support a small number of users at a given time. Additionally, WLAN have limited bandwidths and may not support other functions such as video streaming. Rack Servers In most business, there is always a need to have a common system which allows networking of computers to perform the various activities of the said business entity. This has led to the growth of servers to allow this function. A server refers to a single computer system that is tasked with maintain the functions of all other computers found within a given business entity. It acts as the backbone of computer networking existing in any given business entity. Therefore, this allows computers to be networked together with a lot of ease and also avoids the need for extensive wiring for networking purposes. One of the most commonly server system used in most business entities is the rack mounted server or simply rack servers as illustrated in figure 2. Rack servers refer to computers that have been setup to perform the functions of a server and are integrated to a main framework referred to as a rack. A Rack is comprised of numerous mounting areas whereby several servers are mounted as illustrated in figure 3. However, to allow an organization to control the activities of all the servers present a computer is normally fitted to the rack. This is achieved by the use of KMV which enables an organization to control all the servers from one computer. Therefore, this reduces the need to have a computer for each and every server thus facilitating networking of computers found within the business entity. Rack servers are normally found in four sizes 1U, 2U and 4U which are used to explain the number of units (Reid & Lorenz, 2007). Fig. 3. Rack server Advantages Rack servers offer various benefits when compared to other server types such as blade servers and tower servers. This is because, unlike tower servers, rack servers utilize small space, which is attributed to the way they are arranged. Rack servers are arranged horizontally thereby utilizing minimum space unlike tower server that is installed vertically. Additionally, rack servers allow organizations to install numerous servers as they can be placed on top of each other. Therefore, it becomes easier to encompass more servers when compared to other servers. Additionally, rack servers simplify cabling that is required when networking multiple computers and servers as it can be controlled using single computers (Dong 2007). Disadvantages Despite these numerous benefits associated with the use of rack servers, there are other aspects of rack servers which make use of rack servers a disadvantage to many. One of the main disadvantages associated with the use of rack servers is the amount of resources required to maintain rack servers. This is in relation to the fact that they are piled on top of each other, thus emitting a lot of heat which if not cooled could lead to damaging the servers (Dong 2007), Advanced LAN technologies The use of Local Area Network (LAN) has grown tremendously over the recent years, which has seen it being encompassed in almost every industry that one can think of in the modern world. LAN is supported by use of Ethernet cables and recently Wireless Local area network. However, as the use of LAN technology grew over the years so did the demands to use LAN technologies. This has becomes a great barrier to the use of LAN technologies in sharing and exchanging of information through computers. One of the limiting factors in relation to the use of LAN is speed since the existing LAN technologies allow speeds of up to 10 mbps. This is also coupled with the fact that more computers are integrated into the existing networks thereby reducing the speed even further. Additionally, LAN technologies are limited by geography, thus limiting LAN technologies to a small location. These factors have led to the need to try and develop technologies to bolster the existing LAN technologies. One of the advances made in LAN technology is the introduction of fiber distributed data interface (FDDI). FDDI encompasses the use of fiber optics as a medium for establishing networks between computers as well as exchanging data between computers within the network. The introduction of FDDI has increased the speed from around 10 mbps to speeds of 100mbps. Therefore, communication has become faster and easier with the use of fiber optics. Additionally, the use of fiber optic cables means that they can contain the passage of large volumes of data over longer distances when compared to Ethernet cables (Ogletree & Mueller 2002). The other significant advancement in LAN technology is in relation to wireless local area network (WLAN) connection. WLAN much like wired connection faces similar inhibiting factors which hinder data transfer among computers. One of such factors is speed rate, but recently IEEE has started developing an advanced model to the existing 802.11 standard established in 1997. IEEE seeks to develop 802.11n standard, which according to IEEE will increase the existing speed rates by five while at the same time retaining reliability. This would increase the existing speed rate of around 10 mbps to around 500 mbps (Geier 2010). In addition to these, the rising growth to virtual local area network connection (VLAN) has provided a solution to the existing problems that hinder the application and use of LAN. Traditional LAN technologies may be faced with collision of information when sent from different users within the network. However to remedy the problem, a virtual LAN can be created which would not only allow passage of information from various users but also avoids collision of such thus eliminating the possibility of losing information (Odom 2004). In line with statement, integration of VLAN allows workstations to send information to specific workstations without necessarily sending to all other workstations within the network as illustrated in figure 4. Fig. 4. Wireless VLAN setup. Conclusion In conclusion, computer networking has grown tremendously when compared to past years as is evident with the new approaches used in providing and enhancing computer networking. Wireless LAN has made it easier for networking by reducing the load of always carrying cables. Additionally, it has made it easier to network computers even in the most remote areas by use of ad hoc networking thus allowing exchange of vital data. Rack servers, on the other hand, have made networking in business entities and organization easier. This can be attributed to the fact that it does not require complex setup while at the same time make use of minimal space. This is beneficial to organization compared to other server types such as tower servers that demand a lot of space for establishment. References Badra, M., Urien, P. & Hajjeh, I. (2007). Flexible and fast security solution for wireless LAN. Pervasive and Mobile Computing, 3, 1–14. Dong, J. (2007). Network dictionary (ed). California: Javvin Technologies Inc. Geier, J. (2010). Designing and Deploying 802.11n Wireless Networks. New Jersey, Pearson Education. Hneiti, W. & Ajlouni, N. (2006). Dependability Analysis of Wireless Local Area Networks, Information and Communication Technologies, 2006. ICTTA '06. 2nd, Damascus: IEEE. Kane, J. & Yen, D.C. (2002). 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