Study Notes for Computer Network II (CISC 335)

Chapter 1: Introduction

Title and Course Details

This document pertains to Chapter 4: Constitutional Law in relation to the course CISC 335 Computer Network II. The course is instructed by Shabad Sod. An image depicting a computer network with laptops and a cloud is referenced herein.

Course Overview

The course covers a broad spectrum of networking technologies, providing an overview of foundational topics as well as emerging technologies. The curriculum includes:

  • Purpose of networks and benefits of networking technologies in personal and business contexts.

  • Fundamental concepts and associated items such as network addresses, Internet Protocol (IP) structures, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Wireless LAN (WLAN), switches, routers, fiber optic cabling, the OSI model, common network services, wireless networks, and cybersecurity.

For further information regarding course administration, students should review the syllabus available on Blackboard. Assignments are to be submitted through Blackboard. Communication will also utilize Blackboard for discussions and participation.

Weekly Course Outline

The course is structured as follows:

  1. Course Introduction and Introduction to Networking

  2. Infrastructure and Documentation.

  3. Addressing.

  4. Protocols.

  5. Cabling.

  6. Wireless Networking.

  7. Network Architecture.

  8. Segmentation.

  9. Midterm Exam.

  10. Wide Area Networking.

  11. Risk Management.

  12. Security and Network Design.

  13. Performance.

  14. Recovery and Response.

  15. Final Exam.

Week 6: Wireless Networking

The course utilizes "CompTIA Network+ Guide to Networks", Ninth Edition, as a textbook. Students are encouraged to have their textbook open during the course slides.

Module Objectives

By the end of this module, students should be able to:

  • Describe characteristics of wireless transmissions.

  • Explain the 802.11 standards and innovations.

  • Plan a WiFi network.

  • Secure a WiFi network.

  • Troubleshoot a WiFi network.

Characteristics of Wireless Transmissions

  • Wireless networks transmit signals through radio frequency (RF) waves.

  • Wired and wireless signals share similarities, particularly at Layer 3 of the OSI model and above.

  • Environmental factors impact the nature of wireless transmission.

The Wireless Spectrum

The wireless spectrum comprises various frequency ranges of electromagnetic waves used for communication, spanning from 9 kHz to 300 GHz. Specific applications of the spectrum include:

  • RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) uses electromagnetic fields for data storage in tags, enabling inventory management.

  • NFC (Near Field Communication) operates over very short distances, where energy is drawn from connected devices.

Technologies in the Wireless Spectrum

  1. Z-Wave: A device communication technology mainly for small data in IoT applications such as automation and HVAC control.

  2. Bluetooth: Enables communication between devices, often functioning within close proximity and hopping frequencies to reduce interference.

  3. Infrared Technology: Primarily used in data collection through sensors underlying its functionality, but hampers performance given its limitations in proximity to the device.

Signal Management and Antennas

Wireless device channels are defined by frequency ranges that help them share the wireless spectrum. Techniques to adjust frequencies to prevent interference include:

  • FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum): Rapidly changes frequencies to mitigate interference.

  • DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum): Distributes data pieces across all available frequencies simultaneously.

Wireless signal propagation can be affected by factors such as attenuation (signal weakening over distance), fading (signal diminishing due to obstacles), and interference from other electromagnetic waves.

Wireless Fidelity and Standards

802.11 Standards

The 802.11 standards, developed by IEEE, establish the basic protocol for wireless connectivity through channels accommodating wireless data transmission. Several specifications were introduced, including:

  • 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, and ax, each standard incorporating various enhancements for increased speed and reliability.

Newer technologies implemented in the 802.11 standards include:

  • MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output): Enhances data throughput through simultaneous transmission to multiple receivers.

  • OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing): Efficiently supports multiple users, increasing the overall effectiveness of the connection.

  • Frame Aggregation: Combines multiple data frames into a single frame to reduce overhead and enhance transmission efficiency.

Security Configurations

WiFi networks must implement security measures for protection, including:

  • WPA (WiFi Protected Access) and WPA2 for encrypting data to prevent unauthorized interception.

  • The use of RADIUS servers for managing user authentication and maintaining secure access.

Practical Activities

To ensure comprehension of the material covered, the course includes practical components such as configuring WiFi networks, using WiFi analyzers to assess network performance, and conducting site surveys to optimize access point placements in various environments.

Conclusion

The course will encompass quizzes that cover essential topics discussed in class, with important due dates established for assignments and participation. By the end of the module, students should be able to effectively articulate the principles of wireless networking, design and secure a WiFi network, and troubleshoot potential issues that may arise.