A wireless network is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common wireless communication link over radio waves. A wireless network is enabled by a collection of wireless access points residing within a small geographic area, such as in an office building or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) public hotspot.
WLANs enable a variety of mobile transactions such as Internet and e-mail access, and sophisticated tasks such as allowing sales people to access customer records from customer locations.
TKIP/AES enhance the encryption methods of the 802.11 standards of WPA. These enhancements include:
•Improved data encryption for WPA (It provides more secured data encryption then WEP.)
•WPA allows simpler passphrases, based on preconfigured WEP keys (If you configure a passphrase for your access points, you cannot use 802.1x-based authentication. You must also use the same passphrase in Odyssey Client.)
Wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi)
Wi-Fi, also known as 802.11, is a communication standard created by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). The 802.11 standard defines the electrical and radio frequency components of a wireless Ethernet.
This standard also defines an encryption algorithm (Wired Equivalent Privacy, or WEP) to secure the network. The Wi-Fi Alliance is the body that ensures compatibility and is responsible for issuing standard compliance tests and logos.
Wi-Fi hotspots
Wi-Fi hotspots are WLANs that use the IEEE 802.11 protocol to establish wireless connections for general public use. Offered to customers by a growing number of hotels, restaurants, airport lounges, coffee shops and other businesses, Wi-Fi hotspots enable users to access Internet resources, send and receive e-mail, use instant messaging, and perform similar tasks they would otherwise perform on their business or home PCs. Before trying to connect to a wireless network at a public Wi-Fi hotspot, it is a good idea to find out what setting information you will need to connect to their network. Many Wi-Fi hotspots charge their customers a fee for this service.
Convenience and increased productivity make Wi-Fi hotspots attractive to users on the go, but hotspots can also increase the possibility of security risks. The security risks are manageable; however, if safety precautions are taken.
You can find out more information about Wi-Fi features and connections in the documentation on the Companion CD or Getting Started CD that came with your HP iPAQ.
WLAN standards
IEEE wireless standards such as 802.11 have undergone many improvements and addendums since they were first defined. The following list offers a high-level description of each of the better known standards:
•802.11, which operates in the 2.4-GHz frequency band and offers only 2 megabits per second (Mbit/s) of overall throughput, was the original implemented standard.
•802.11b is the most widely used form of Wi-Fi today. The radio operates within the 2.4-Ghz frequency band but allows a maximum data throughput of 11 Mbit/s.
•802.11a is a short-range, but extremely high-speed, Wi-Fi network. This standard is not compatible with existing 802.11b networks. This high-speed Wi-Fi network operates in the 5-Ghz frequency band and can transfer data at a maximum speed of 54 Mbit/s.
•802.11g is compatible with existing 802.11b networks, but also enables higher speeds. Its maximum speed is 54 Mbit/s, but 802.11g operates in the 2.4-Ghz frequency band.