2.1 BASIC WLAN COMPONENTS For one to setup a wireless local area network, two basic components must be available wireless network cards and wireless access points. The third basic component, wireless bridge, is used to link two or more buildings together. The wireless network cards are attached to mobile computing devices, and they connect to an access point. An access point is essentially a hub that gives wireless clients the ability to attach to the wired LAN backbone. To maintain a coverage area, more than one access points are used as in cell structures, which are used by cellphone providers to maintain a coverage area. Wireless bridges, on the other hand, enable high-speed long- range outdoor links between buildings. Based on line-of-sight, wireless bridges are not affected by obstacles such as freeways, railroads, and bodies of water, which typically pose a problem for copper and fibre-optic cable.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): Security Risk Assessment and Countermeasures Nwabude Arinze Sunday - 6 -