COMPUTER

COMMUNICATION
AND NETWORKS
(CEN-223)

ASSIGNMENT: 1

NAME: Mubashra Sarfaraz

CLASS: BS CS 3-A
ENROLLMENT: 02-134241-033
Course Teacher: Dr. Safdar

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER
SCIENCE
BAHRIA UNIVERSITY, KARACHI
CAMPUS, PAKISTAN
 TABLE OF CONTENT

✓ Abstract
✓ Introduction
✓ Definition and History
✓ WLAN Architecture
✓ Real-World Examples
✓ Advantages and Disadvantages
✓ Security Measures
✓ Applications
✓ Detailed Working Model
✓ Main Functionalities
✓ Conclusion
✓ Glossary
✓ References
✓ Citation
ABSTRACT
Wireless LAN (WLAN) refers to a wireless network that enables
digital devices to connect and communicate without the need for
physical cables. This is achieved using radio frequency waves. WLAN
provides high-speed internet access within homes, offices, and public
spaces. Over the years, it has revolutionized how individuals interact
with digital systems and continues to evolve through innovations like
Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7.

INTRODUCTION
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), wireless communication
technology that facilitates the connection of digital devices to a
central network. Instead of using physical cables, WLAN relies on
radio signals to transmit and receive data. It has become essential in
modern networking, supporting a wide variety of applications in both
personal and professional environments.
Definition:
WLAN is a type of local area network that connects devices over
wireless signals, typically following the IEEE 802.11 family of
standards.

Historical Timeline:
• 1971: ALOHAnet created by the University of Hawaii,
considered the forerunner of wireless communication.
• 1997: IEEE introduced the first official WLAN standard –
802.11.
• 1999: Formation of the Wi-Fi Alliance and popularization of
the term 'Wi-Fi.'
• 2009–Present: Emergence of advanced standards such as
802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6).
 WLAN ARCHITECTURE
Core Components:
1. Access Point (AP): Central device that transmits and receives
wireless signals, acting as a bridge between the wireless
network and the wired network.
2. Wireless Clients: Devices like smartphones, laptops, and
tablets that connect to the WLAN.
3. Router: Routes data between the WLAN and the internet.
4. SSID (Service Set Identifier): Name of the wireless network
used to identify it.
5. Frequency Bands: Typically operates on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz
bands, each with its own range and speed characteristics.

Working Principle:
• Devices connect to an AP, which communicates with the
router.
• The router connects to the internet, enabling data exchange.
• Communication occurs over specific frequency bands.
Network Modes:
• Infrastructure Mode:
o Most commonly used.
o Devices communicate through an Access Point.
o Ideal for home, office, and public networks.
o Allows access to wider network resources and the
internet.

• Ad-Hoc Mode:
o Peer-to-peer communication.
o No Access Point involved; devices communicate directly
with each other.
o Used for temporary or small-scale networks like file
sharing in a group.
Role of DHCP and DNS in WLAN:
• DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol):
Automatically assigns IP addresses to devices that connect to
the WLAN.
• DNS (Domain Name System): Translates human-
readable domain names (like www.google.com) into IP
addresses.
 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES
➢ Home Wi-Fi Networks: Used for streaming videos, attending
online classes, or controlling smart devices like Alexa and smart
lights.
➢ Starbucks Café – Public Hotspot: Customers use free
WLAN to browse the internet or work remotely.
➢ Airports and Hotels: WLAN enables travelers to stay
connected through Wi-Fi services.
➢ Universities and Schools: Used for digital classrooms,
student portals, and research access.
➢ Hospitals: WLAN is used to access patient records wirelessly,
monitor vitals, and connect diagnostic equipment.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
 SECURITY MEASURES

• WPA2/WPA3 Encryption: Ensures

secure data exchange
• MAC Address Filtering: Permits
access to trusted devices only
• Hiding SSID: Minimizes visibility
to unauthorized users
• VPN and Firewalls: Provides
additional security layers

APPLICATIONS
• Residential internet access
• Enterprise-level
networking
• Educational institutions
(e.g., online learning,
smart classrooms)
• Public spaces (airports,
coffee shops, libraries)
• Medical environments
(wireless patient data
monitoring)
 DETAILED WORKING MODEL
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) enables devices to connect
and communicate wirelessly within a localized area, such as a home,
office, or campus. The architecture and operation of WLAN are
defined by the IEEE 802.11 standards.

Key Components:
❖ Stations (STA): Devices equipped with wireless network
interface controllers (NICs), allowing them to connect to the
WLAN. These include:
o Wireless Access Points (WAPs): Devices that serve as
base stations, transmitting and receiving radio frequencies
to facilitate communication among wireless clients.
o Clients: Devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets
that connect to WAPs to access network resources.

❖ Basic Service Set (BSS):

o Independent BSS (IBSS): An ad hoc network with no
central access point, where devices communicate directly.
o Infrastructure BSS: Contains an access point to
facilitate communication and connectivity to external
networks.

❖ Extended Service Set (ESS): A set of interconnected BSSs,

where multiple access points are connected via a distribution
system to expand the network's coverage.

❖ Distribution System (DS): Connects multiple access points

within an ESS for seamless communication across BSSs.
Working Process:
• Signal Transmission: Access points broadcast signals over
2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency bands.
• Association: A client device detects an AP and initiates an
association to establish communication.
• Data Exchange: Data packets are exchanged between the
client and the AP, which manages the flow of data.
• Roaming: In ESS, devices can shift between APs without losing
connectivity if roaming is supported.
MAIN FUNCTIONALITIES OF WIRELESS LAN
• Wireless Connectivity: Devices can connect without cables,
enhancing mobility and reducing infrastructure costs.
• Scalability: Networks can easily grow by adding access points
or clients.
• Mobility Support: Users can move around within the network
coverage without disconnection.
• Integration with Wired Networks: APs bridge wireless and
wired networks.
• Security Provisions: Security measures like WPA2/WPA3
ensure safe communication.
• Quality of Service (QoS): Supports traffic prioritization for
better performance of critical applications.
 CONCLUSION
WLAN has transformed the way we connect and communicate.
From early ALOHAnet experiments to today's high-speed, secure
wireless networks, WLAN continues to play a vital role in the
digital world. Its flexibility and efficiency make it indispensable in
both personal and professional domains, with an exciting future
driven by technology innovations.
GLOSSARY
• WLAN: Wireless Local Area Network
• SSID: Service Set Identifier
• AP: Access Point
• IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• WPA2/WPA3: Wi-Fi Protected Access (versions 2 & 3)

REFERENCES
• TutorialsPoint: https://www.tutorialspoint.com/wi-fi/index.htm
• RF Wireless World: https://www.rfwireless-
world.com/Tutorials/wireless-LAN-tutorial.html
• Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=wireless

CITATION
• TutorialsPoint. 'Wi-Fi Tutorial.'
• RF Wireless World. 'Wireless LAN Tutorial.'
• NetworkLessons. 'Wireless Networking.'