Wireless Hosts, Access Points, and Wireless Links
802.11 Networks consist of wireless hosts, Access Points (APs), and wireless links.
Diagram adapted from "Computer Networking: A Top Down Approach 5th Ed." ©1996-2012 J.F. Kurose and K.W. Ross, All Rights Reserved
Wireless Hosts
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Wireless does not always mean mobility.
802.11 does not provide IP address mobility
Your application must monitor association status and re-associate with the same AP or another, if necessary!
Access Points (APs)
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In a typical home access network, the AP function is combined with switch and router functionality in a single device, such as the Linksys E1200.
Wireless Links
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Wireless Link Characteristics
- Decreased signal strength: radio signal attenuates as it propagates through matter (path loss).
- Interference from other sources: standardized wireless network frequencies (e.g., 2.4 GHz) shared by other devices (e.g., phone); devices (motors) interfere as well.
- Multipath propagation: radio signal reflects off objects ground, arriving at the destination at slightly different times.
These characteristics can lead to a variable latency of data transfer, directly impacting the performance of the application.