Computer Networks - Wireless and Mobile Networks

This set of flashcards covers essential terminology and concepts related to Wireless and Mobile Networks as presented in the lecture notes.

Wireless Networks

Networks that use wireless data connections for connecting network nodes.

Mobile Networks

Networks that allow mobile devices to connect and communicate while moving.

4G/5G Cellular Networks

Next generation of mobile networks that provide faster internet speeds and improved reliability.

Mobility Management

The process of managing user connections as they move across different network points.

Base Station

A fixed point of communication for wireless devices, typically connecting them to a larger network.

Ad Hoc Network

A network that is created on-the-fly without a predetermined infrastructure.

Hidden Terminal Problem

A situation where two devices cannot detect each other’s transmissions and cause interference at a base station.

CSMA/CA

Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance - a protocol used to prevent collisions in wireless networks.

Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)

A channel access method used by various radio communication technologies to get multiple signals simultaneously over a shared frequency.

OFDMA

Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access, a variant of OFDM used for multiplexing several access users.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)

A measure used to compare the level of a desired signal to the level of background noise.

Free Space Path Loss

The loss of signal strength that occurs as a signal propagates through free space.

Mobility Challenges

Issues that arise when mobile devices switch from one network to another while maintaining connectivity.

Handoff

The process of transferring an active call or data session from one cell site to another.

IEEE 802.11

A set of standards for implementing wireless local area network (WLAN) communication.

Dynamic Channel Allocation

A mechanism for adjusting the assigned frequency for wireless channels to reduce collisions and interference.

MAC Protocol

Medium Access Control Protocol, which dictates how data packets are placed on the network.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

A core protocol of the Internet Protocol Suite that ensures reliable, ordered delivery of packets.

Mobile IP

A communication protocol that allows mobile device users to move from one network to another while maintaining a permanent IP address.

Active Scanning

A method where a device actively seeks out wireless networks by sending probe requests.

Passive Scanning

A method where a device listens for beacon frames broadcast by nearby access points.