Vopium WiFi is now available for Smartphones with Windows Mobile (OS 6.0 and up).  Now, Windows Mobile users can call other Vopium WiFi users for free and obtain great savings on all their international calls both inside and outside Wi-Fi zones. You can also avoid roaming charges when abroad. Vopium automatically detects when users are connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot and routes the call over Wi-Fi. Outside Wi-Fi zones international calls are routed as a local call instead.

Vopium WiFi has been available for iPhone users and Nokia users for almost a year and will soon be available on a range of other Wi-Fi enabled handsets as well. Vopium has launched its mobile VoIP solution in 25 new countries and is  now available on all major territories including North and South America, Western and Eastern Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific.

Vopium is now available in 45 countries, and the 25 new countries are: Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Malta, Mexico, Poland, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Venezuela.

Vopium has also announced that it has joined the Symbian Foundation, which, together with its ecosystem, is creating the most proven, open and complete mobile software platform. The platform is based on Symbian OS and software assets contributed by Nokia, NTT DOCOMO, and Sony Ericsson, including the S60 and MOAP(S) user interfaces.

If you are already a Vopium user with Windows Mobile, simply log in to your Vopium account and download the latest version to your mobile by pressing the green “Get” button placed next to your phone number on your dashboard. If you are new to Vopium, start by signing up and installing Vopium on your mobile through smart code or from Vopium website.

You too can build and use a long range wifi antenna cantenna for free internet surfing. There was a time when we moved from one address to another and for about a few weeks did not have any dsl account for ourselves to use. I noticed that our computers were picking up and logging on to a free open wifi within range of our new home but not quite strong enough to utilize. ( More free internet information here ) and some tips to truely secure your pc here. If you really need some help setting this all up, here’s some help from our 7 year old on this matter.It’s so easy to do he can show you via video.

For the interim use until we were able to get our own isp account set up again we created a wireless wifi antenna out of a few household items to receive the faint wifi signal a little better , so that we could use it.

There are numerous free wifi signals available around most neighborhoods that can provide you with temporary wifi broadband. Library’s have them, many businesses and airports provide free internet access and as well even some local resident homes make their wireless signal free for others to utilize at times. Such was the case which we availed of during our time of disconnection.

Your wifi antenna range signal will vary signal strength according to how well you build and place it. Here is what we used (actual picture example shown in photo). For best wifi reception get the largest shiny bowl you can find. The larger the better because it catches more of the broadcasting signal.

You will need to use a wifi antenna adapter which has a usb cord attached that can reach a good many feet away from your computer(so you can hang it in your window etc.). The built in wifi antenna on your laptop will not suffice in most cases to pick up a clear signal. Use duct tape to hold the wifi adapter in the middle of the bowl (suspended in the center so as the wifi signals received will connect well with it). Also use the duct tape to attach the bowl to a window in the direction where the free signal was noticed. Duct tape is strong and holds really well. If you want to be a little more discrete you can also hang a thin curtain in front of bowl so the neighbors don’t think you’re too strange having a large bowl hanging in your window.

This really works for you to receive temporary free wifi. Our signal strength without this homemade antenna was just barely readable when we first noticed it was showing up but after our homemade cantenna setup our wifi signal strength increased to a strength fluctuating up to 45% and a link connection of about the same at times, providing us a dsl speed which at times peeked to 2.8 mbps.( a good connection considering the lowest paid-for dsl from a local provider reaches a 1.5 mbps reading and costs aproximately $ 25.00 per month ) .

I would like to stress that this should be really only for temporary use as you need at times. For any longterm internet usage you should setup a broadband account with your local or national isp (internet service provider). We now of course have our regular internet service provider but the above method helped us out in a pinch and perhaps may do the same for you if the need arises.

More free internet

Why I am writing this article it is because I want to provide information to all business man, travelers, company workers who are looking for a  place to stay in the with internet connection in the hotel rooms.

If you are travelling to Bacolod City Philippines

You might wondering where to stay and what hotels in the city that has wifi connection.

In my case I would like to share my experience.

As a backpacker I travel around different places in the Philippines, I bring my laptop with me. I cannot afford to stay In the hotel with out Wifi internet connection. Because I have work online providing seo services to my clients.

So before I set my trip to bacolod city. I surf online which hotel has a wifi connection in their available rooms. Some hotels have wifi connection but only available in the lobby area and in the café they didnt give a detail whether internet connection available in the hotel rooms. So I keep digging for more information until I find the right hotel to stay.

I found the Bacolod pension Plaza near cuadra str. Bacolod City, it’s a 7 minutes walking distance from SM City Bacolod. I stayed in Bacolod Pension Plaze for 2 nights. The wifi in my room is kicking so I was able to my job over the internet in the comfort of my room.

In more weeks to come I will travel again and provide hotels in different places all over the Philippines and tell you exactly what hotel have wifi internet connection in their rooms.

When looking into whether or not to start using Mobile Internet or simply continue using WiFi at the many hotpots around the country, many people come to the conclusion that it is much cheaper to do their work using the WiFi hotspot option.

However, when you get to the core of it, this could end up being much more costly in the long run. Whilst mobile internet may indeed seem more expensive, the flexibility it offers is far greater. Many places with WiFi charge for its use and those that dont will usually require a purchase being made in return for the use of the internet. These costs will often add up to, and they are costs that are there without allowing you the flexibility that mobile options allow.

If you have mobile broadband you will be able to use the internet as you travel, whether you are on a train or whether you are a passenger in the car and the time that this may save you will often far outweigh the costs of paying for mobile broadband.

You are also not going to be restricted by places opening times and can literally be free to use the internet as and when you need, pretty much wherever you are.

To make sure that the mobile option really does beat the WiFi one, it is important to compare mobile broadband prices and tariffs. For some a pay as you go option will find them saving huge amounts over both WiFi as well as over many other mobile plans, whilst for others the flexibility and sheer scope that a monthly plan offers may be perfect.

So, it is almost certain that mobile wins. Just ensure you compare mobile broadband plans first to make sure you are getting the very best deal for you.

How To Use A Long Range WiFi Or Wireless Adapter and High Gain WiFi Antenna

Your notebook or desktop computer’s 802.11 B or G wireless card is fine for working around the home but what if you want to pick up a distant wireless internet connection?

Many people like those who visit RV parks depend on picking up the WiFi signal that is broadcast throughout the park but may not be able to if they are located at the far end.

On some large job sites or office buildings it may be difficult to pick up wireless internet because of obstructions and distance to the router.

There is a way to pick up WiFi at long range using an adapter that offers more power than your laptop or desktop compter. These long range WiFi adapters offer more output power, greater sensitivity and best of all a connector to which you can add an external antenna.

A high gain, long range WiFi antenna is the most important part of the system. The best are directional WiFi antennas that offer a high db gain factor.

They come in several types, Yagi, Panel and Parabolic. Panel antennas are the most space efficient and are unobtrusive. You can mount a panel antenna inside or outside the home or office. You just want to keep the wire run as short as possible since you lose signal with longer cables.

Panel WiFi antennas offer gains of up to 20 db or decibels over a built in WiFi antenna. Since you can mount them outside the building you can get a more direct signal path.

Since the are directional you can aim them in the direction of the WiFi signal that you want to pick up, even if it is a mile or more away in some cases.

It may be that you want to share an internet connection with a friend or neighbor. In this case the neighbor would place his router on the side of the home closest to yours or use an external antenna on the router itself and you would aim your panel antenna toward his router.

WiFi panel or directional antennas work both on routers and wireless adapters so you can even use two panel antennas for a very long range connection.

It is possible with two directional antennas to establish a WiFi connection up to ten miles or more provided there are not too many obstructions in between.

If you are just using one high power, long range WiFi adapter and high gain WiFi antenna you can expect to pick up wireless networks at a mile or more away.

Remember to use caution if you connect to a wireless network that is unsecured. In some rare cases these may be operated by hackers to lure you to use them and then gather your personal info.

Always enable the strongest encryption protocol that is available with your wireless router.

For more on this subject see this article: All About Long Range WiFi Adapters and Antennas

Apple iPad must have been received well abroad (outside India) but in India it is not at all launched and there seems to be no plan. Customers have to buy them online from merchants outside the country which attracts customs duty taxes, shipping charges etc. Below are prices of Apple iPad WiFi(+3G) for 16GB, 32GB, 64GB in Indian rupees.

Apple iPad Price (in Indian Rupees at merchant websites outside India) with WiFi+3G:

At a merchant website importing to Indian customers:

Apple iPad WiFi+3G 16GB in US $ 629           32406

Cost breakdown for 32GB:

sale price : 26307

customs duty: 4752

standard shipping : 1347

total : 32406

Apple iPad WiFi+3G 32B in US $ 729  38083

Cost breakdown for 32GB:

sale price : 36499

customs duty: 5229

standard shipping : 1584

total : 38083

Apple iPad WiFi+3G 64GB in US $ 829           44119

Cost breakdown for 64GB:

sale price : 35999

customs duty: 5625

standard shipping : 2495

total : 44119

Apple iPad price in India without 3G but Wi-Fi:

32GB Wi-Fi: $ 599 USD          27,717

64GB Wi-Fi: $ 699       USD    32,344

It is not yet launched in India. So it has to be imported from outside India which thus attracts customs duty and shipping prices. Prices vary a whole lot when importing.

Apple iPad on ebay.in:

Sealed Pack Original Apple iPad 16GB Wi-Fi + 3G Ready                  38,300

Apple iPad 64GB 3G WiFi Works With Indian 3G Carrier       52,500

Apple iPad 64GB 3G WiFi Works With Indian 3G Carrier       52,500

Brand New Sealed Pack 64GB wifi 3G Apple iPad Micro SIM            50,000

Sealed Pack New Apple iPad 32GB Wi-Fi + LEATHER CASE          37,500

Apple Ipad64GB Wi-Fi+3G+iPad Cover Original From APPLE          52,800

New Apple iPad 64GB Wi-Fi + 3G Ready Model + Warranty with LCD Screen protector + Leather Cover Worth Rs. 1500    49,200

Apple iPad Accessories and their prices in Indian Rupees:

Brown Leather Case Cover Apple Ipad 16gb / 32gb / 64gb                  699

Silicon Case For Apple Ipad (Green) Com16/32/64GB            329

Connect your iPad to the Internet Anywhere with ease!5,450

USB Power Wall Charger for Apple iPhone / iPod / iPad          249

Dock Cradle Charger for Apple iPad 16Gb, 32GB & 64GB     989

Given the varying nature of prices and expensive prices, Apple iPad is not worth the money for the Indian users. It also seems that Apple is not interested in Indian market and that could be why they are not launching in India. So you cannot buy them in Bangalore, Mumbai or other Indian cities directly. It is also speculated that iPad may not find much of a market in India to make profit for Apple’s expensive business.

For those looking for iPad, there are better alternatives such as PC tablets or e-readers, netbooks etc. which are much cheaper and available for buying directly in Indian stores without worrying about arrrival shipped products to your doorstep.

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 Set-up of this gadget is about as simple as any plug and play device, or maybe simpler. The graphical set-up program is quick simple and easy to follow. You can able to connect to a U595 and a U720 in well under two minutes. A user used both a Dell and an HP laptop, and both recognized it and configured to the router with either card quick and easy. Machines with Vista will take a minute to find the wireless network settings, but once connected set-up is no problem or smooth as well.

It can connect a data-ready phone into the USB host port, and the Cradlepoint CTR 350 cellular router automatically establishes a connection to your cellular dealers or provider’s data network. It works similar to the way a home router manages works, a DSL or Cable modem connect and forget. Once you plug and play in a Cellular USB modem or a Handset quipped with a phone as modem tethered data plan, you can connect or associate your PC with the CTR350 just like in a common Café Hotspot and you’re on the WEB or Internet. You can optionally use a connector like the RJ-45 Ethernet port with a wired LAN card to give you easy shared wireless access when available.

The CradlePoint CTR 350 wireless router creates a Safe and Secure WiFi Hotspot from broadband enabled phones and modems. Enjoy the simplicity, ease and convenience of WiFi without having to search around for a connectivity hotspot and without risking a non-secure connection. Built-in firewall and security chat allows you or your group of friends to work securely while protecting your bandwidth circle. WEP and WPA encryption meet strict IT ruleing and standards for WiFi security.

 

Deployment of wireless lan in a university campus: a full coverage plan for Nnamdi Azikiwe University Akwa                

                                1 James agajo 2 Sylvester Ehijie Ezewele  3 Awolo C. I.                   

                              Dept. of Electrical and Electronics Engineering                                 

             Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo state         
                           Nigeria                                                

                                             Phone: +2348053312732                                                                       

                 agajojul@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Wireless technologies represent a rapidly emerging area of growth and importance for providing ubiquitous access to the network for the campus community. Students, faculty and staff increasingly want undeterred network access from general-purpose classrooms, meeting rooms, auditoriums, and even the hallways of campus buildings. In this paper, a full coverage plan and the technological details involved in the deployment of wireless LANs based on the IEEE 802.11 standard in a university campus is presented using Nnamdi Azikiwe University Permanent Site as a Model. In this coverage Plan, (the University master plan is consulted) about 3 base station (Access Point) is to be deployed, covering an estimated 60 buildings spanning through the entrance gate to the heart of the campus ;Administrative section to all faculties and department buildings and indeed all habitable part of the campus permanent site. To ensure a good coverage, multidirectional antennae in the 2.4GHZ and 5GHZ free frequency band is used. Data security will be ensured by using reliable and dependable software based on WAP .At the end of the work the University would have been completely networked and a secured INTRA NET created. Consequently, data transfer within the campus, would become seamless.

INTRODUCTION

1.1             Background of Study

Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) are implemented as an extension to wired LANs within a building and can provide the some meters of connectivity between a wired network and the mobile user. In wireless LANs the computers or nodes are linked to one another by radio. Each computer contains a sophisticated modem that both transmits and receives over a short distance. Each wireless node is linked backed to a server that makes the connection between nodes. Over the years a number of wireless LANs have been developed and abandoned

There are three physical layers for WLANs: two radio frequency specifications (RF – direct sequence and frequency hopping spread spectrum) and one infrared (IR). Most WLANs operate in the 2.4 GHz license-free frequency band and have throughput rates up to 2Mbps. The new 802.11b standard is direct sequence only, and provides throughput rates up to 11 Mbps. Currently the predominant standard, it is widely supported by vendors such as Cisco, Lucent, Apple, etc.

2.0    Technology Standards

Manufacturers have adopted many competing standards for implementing wireless communication. Interoperability between different communications standards is gradually improving. It is important to evaluate, with any wireless LAN networking system, the technology it uses, the features it provides and the industry support it has.(Please refer to chapter four, for hardware specification to be used in the coverage plan).Below are common standards available:

IEEE 802.11b is sometimes referred to as “Wi-Fi”. Currently this open    standard, developed by the Wireless Local Area Networks Standards Working Group, is the most widely used wireless LAN system. Large technology companies such as Linksys, Apple, SMC, and 3Com have adopted it for their product lines. This technology uses radio waves in the 2.4-GHz frequency band (same as many other appliances such as cordless phones and microwaves) and has the potential for interference. Speed ranges from 1-11Mbps (newer products are most often specified at 11Mbps).

IEEE 802.11a:  is a standard that may replace 802.11b in years -Speed can reach 54 Mbps and travels on the less congested 5GHz band, reducing the potential for interference. Range is limited to 50 feet. More speed but likely more Access Points required. Some vendors are producing Access Points that will adapt to both the 11b and 11a standards as well as other standards (Hyperlinks, Proxim and Agere, Mikrotik are examples).

Bluetooth is an inexpensive, very low-powered and short-range frequency-hopping radio system that would link your pagers, personal access devices, cell phones, and laptops (designed for small, mobile devices). The potential for interference (shares 2.4 GHz frequency), particularly to the low-powered Bluetooth, remains an open problem. Range is only 30 feet but line of sight is not necessary – the distance limitation is a problem for serious LAN implementation, and not many Bluetooth LAN systems have been developed as a result. Named after the 10 century Danish King Harald, “Bluetooth” is the English translation of his last name “Blatand.” King Harald was famous for uniting the kingdoms of Denmark and Norway and for his extensive travels; like King Harald, Bluetooth unites separate entities (peripherals, laptops, PDAs, Cellophanes, cameras, etc).

 

3.0    Methodology

The university master plan cannot be displayed entirely in this work without taking a sizeable space in this work, therefore for simplicity of the coverage plan

Key:

 1, 2, 3=Business Admin& Marketing Block                       9=Natural Science                            

 4=Afrihub                                                                           10=Science Village        

5=Central bank building                                                      11=Social Science   

6=Utility building                                                                12=Law Faculty

7=Engineering Block                                                              8=Administrative Block                                                      Departments Around

 3.1         Structural analysis and the design Method.

 The target areas has been designated as hotspot, distance of separation between one hotspot to another is estimated to be an average of about 8KM (Obtained by driving around the hotspot with a car).The line of sight distance between the hotspot is estimated at much lesser distance of about 4KM (Without Obstacles).Fortunately the equipment to be deployed in the coverage is rated by the manufactures to have a range of about 10-20KM on amplification depending on the topology of the location. Hence the key to effective coverage lies on proper deployment of the Access Point in the hotspot in other to cover the estimated distance between the hotspot. Bearing this in mind, I calculated that since the distance between the hotspot is less than the line of sight distance between the equipment to the deployed, very effective coverage could be ensured if the base stations are located in the hotspot in a way that obstacles are avoided. Hence the need for the use of altimeter to determine the best location for the installation of the base station arises. A Friend of mine (A Rigger) who works with one of the GSM companies was at hand to lend me his services in determining this best location. Consequently three locations were map out to give the best immediate coverage. Details are shown in chapter five were the coverage plan was presented. Also ability to easily and cheaply provide power supply to the base stations and security of the base station were also taking into consideration in selecting these locations.

The height recommended overcoming adverse topography and avoiding unnecessary obstacle is about 160M.Thus the height of the mast to be used in mounting the directional antennae is about 160M

 

4.0  DESIGN SPECIFICATION

The network being deployed in the coverage plan will have a capacity of 1500 users simultaneously and can be expanded by software upgrade.

The system specification for the coverage plan is divided into two parts: the hardware and the software specification .This chapter begins by showing detail of hardware specification and later concludes with software specification i.e.  The operating system (OS) to be installed at the server to ensure maximum data security and software recommended for billing, value added services and bandwidth management to optimize the speed of the network.

The key to the success of this coverage plan is to have a few number of base stations in other to ensure easy maintenance and amplify the signal from the base to maximum power possible so that reception is ensured at all parts of the campus environment and beyond and then use power full bandwidth management software to optimize the speed of the network.

The primary advantage of this approach is that it is easier to provide regular power, security and regular maintenance to less number of base stations (AP) than to many; hence the overall cost of providing the service is drastically reduced.

Consequently, the design approach will be as follows: a primary or main base station will be situated at the same location with the V-SAT (where the internet connection is made), Three or Four  amplified secondary or repeater base station will be situated in the different “hotspot” (location where coverage is required ) as extension of the main connection point.

 

4.1   Hardware Specification

From the foregoing, The Main base station or Access Point (AP) will ultimately consist of the following equipment:

 

     Main or Primary Base Station

     

   System Unit and Monitor
   Wireless Router Board
   350mW Wireless Radio Card
    3 Way Splitter
    Jumper Cable/ Coaxial Cable With F connectors
    A Coil of RJ45 networking cable

vii.      Wireless Amplifier Radio

500W Uninterruptible Power Supply
     12V/200Ah Battery
     160M Mast
     3×120” Sector Antennae and accessories

xii.       A broadband V-SAT link to the Internet

Coaxial Surge arrestor kit
Power Over Ethernet Adapter (PoE ) Power Injector

xv.       Bandwidth Management Software

While the secondary or Repeater base station will consist of the following:      

  Repeater or Secondary Base Station

      Wireless Router Board

     350mW Wireless Radio Card
     3 Way Splitter
     Jumper Cable/Coaxial Cable With F connectors
     A Coil Of RJ45 Networking Cable
     Wireless Amplifier Radio
     500W Uninterruptible Power Supply

vii.  12V/200Ah Battery

      160M Mast
      3×120” Sector Antennae
      Power Over Ethernet Adapter (PoE ) Power Injector

    xii.       Coaxial Surge Arrester Kit

 

Below are the details of the technical specifications of some of the hardware mentioned above

 

4.2      Wireless Router board

      Wireless router board with level 5 license (Mikrotic is the preferred manufacturer)

     Note: Level 5 license implies that the board has a capacity of 500simultenous users

Specifications:

Frequencies:

802.11b/g 2.312 – 2.497 (5 MHz step);

802.11a 4.920 – 6.100 (5 MHz step)

Chipset: Atheros AR5414

Security: Hardware 64 and 128 bit WEP; Hardware TKIP and AES-CCM

Encryption; 802.1x WPA authentication

Modulation: 802.11b+g: DSSS, OFDM for data rate >30Mbps

802.11a: OFDM

Host Interface: Mini-PCI form factor; Mini-PCI Version 1.0 type 3B

suggested only for motherboards that are produced after 2004

Power requirements: 3.3V +/- 10% DC; 400mA max (300mA typ.)

Output Power / Receive Sensitivity:

IEEE 802.11a: 17dBm/-88dBm @ 6Mbps

13dBm/-71dBm @ 54Mbps

IEEE 802.11b: 19dBm/-95dBm @ 1Mbps

19dBm/-90dBm @ 11Mbps

IEEE 802.11g: 18dBm/-90dBm @ 6Mbps

15dBm/-73dBm @ 54Mbps

Transfer Data Rate: 802.11b:11,5.5,2,1 Mbps, auto-fallback

802.11g (Normal mode):54, 48, 36, 24,18,12,9,6 Mbps, auto-fallback

802.11g (Turbo mode):108, 96,72,48,36,24,18,12 Mbps, auto-fallback

802.11a (Normal mode):54, 48, 36, 24,18,12,9,6 Mbps, auto-fallback

802.11a (Turbo mode):108, 96,72,48,36,24,18,12 Mbps, auto-fallback

Supported OS Mikrotik RouterOS, Windows XP

Operation Temp.: 0°C to 50

Humidity range: Operating 5% to 95% (non-condensing)

Protocol: CSMA/CA with ACK architecture 32-bit MAC

Connectors: Two U.fl connectors

Weight: 20 grams

4.3        350mW Wireless Radio Card:

This works with the router board to generate the electromagnetic signal fed into the Antennae through the Wireless Amplifier radio. The 350mW rating is sufficient since the signal will undergo amplification. The card is capable of generating signal in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency band.

Below is the wireless card attached to the router board, the card with the protruding wire is the wireless card. The terminal end connects to the antenna through the amplifier. The wireless card is rated 350mW

 4.4       500W Inverter Power Supply:

 The base station equipment mentioned above do not consume much power as can be seen from their technical data, consequently, a 500W Inverter power supply be sufficient to power the base station. However the inverter should be able to provide up to 20hrs of power supply to the base station in the event of power failure from the public supply therefore it recommended that up to four 12/200AH battery be connected to ensure the expected long duration supply. In addition if solar panels are available, they can also be connected to charge the batteries as alternative energy source.

4.5        4×90” Sector Antennae and accessories:

 The antennae are critical in ensuring very good coverage within the campus environment

Specifications

4.6         A broadband V-SAT link to the Internet:

Since there is an exiting V-SAT link in Afrihub-NAU owned by the university, it may no longer be necessary to provide a different link in this coverage plan. The site survey also shows a mast located close to the V_SAT link bearing apparently, a WLAN installation, all that will be required to do is to make use of the mast, link the WLAN to the existing V-SAT link then expand the V-SAT bandwidth from the internet service provider (ISP) if the bandwidth is too narrow for the expected traffic from WLAN network, then install the bandwidth manager with the billing system in the server. Details are shown in chapter five where the plan is presented.

 

4.7 Client equipment:

Wireless Client adapter connects users via an access point to the rest of the LAN. The user will require one or two of the following;

(i)      PCMCIA wireless card for laptop in cases where the laptop does not contain an onboard wireless adapter

(ii)      PCI Wireless Card for desktop user since most desktop do not contain an onboard card.

(iii) Outdoor radio if there is no signal or the quality of the signal received is poor.

5.0       SOFTWARE SPECIFICATION:

      Operating System: Linux (Fedora) May be preferable as the operating system for the sever, Its Primary advantage includes (i) immunity to virus attack apparently due to the fact that many scammers concentrate attack to Windows base OS. (ii) Ability to provide device driver for many hardware is also an additional advantage. Incompatibility with many value added software pack is the main drawback of this OS.

Nevertheless, windows based OS (XP and Vista) especially windows Vista can equally prove formidable to virus attack when supported with a reliable anti virus software and regularly updated.

Optionally, Mikrotik provides OS for Router board they manufacture called Mikrotik RouterOS; the only problem with this is incompatibility with other software which may be installed in the server to provide value added services such as Voice over WLAN. However the Mikrotik RouterOS comes with its own value added package though this may not contain all the features present in other third party value added software pack

5.1  SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

 In this work I was able to present a workable coverage plan for the deployment of wireless LAN in 2.4 and 5Ghz frequency band based on IEEE 802.11 b&g standard in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Permanent site

The network so designed will be able to accommodate video streaming and voice over internet facility.

It is noteworthy to mention here that maintenance (corrective and preventive) is as important as the deployment, thus the network if deployed and regularly maintained will ever remain stable.

 

REFERENCE

[1] Altera Corporation, Implementing Traffic Managers in Stratix II Devices, January 2004. 

      http://www.altera.com/literature/wp/wpstxiitrfc.pdf

[2] Eugene Chang, Bill Lu, Felix Markhovsky, RLDRAMs vs CAMs/SRAMs, June 2000   

[3]        2004.http://www.commsdesign.com/design_corner/showArticle.jhtml?articleI          D=16501400

 [4] Kevin Cackovic, 90-nm FPGAs handle 10-Gbit traffic management tasks,      

      March  01,2004.http://www.eetimes.com/article/showArticle.jhtml?articleId=18311195&sub_taxonomyID=2579

[4]  http://www.wikipedia.org 2008

[5]  http://www.ieee.org, 2008

[6]  http://www. GirlGeeks /Computer Networking Wireless LAN.htm

[7]   Frenzel, Principle of Electronic Communication 2002

 

There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about computer technology. These misconceptions normally come from sources such as a poorly trained sales person or that “computer guru” who lives down the hall from you. Lately, however, I have been seeing more and more shocking misconceptions coming from major technology web sites.

 

I read an article recently, on a prominent tech web site, which touted how necessary it was for me to own a wireless router. The article left me with the overall impression that wireless networking was way better than wired. A shocking and misleading misconception. Here’s three good reasons why wired networking is better than wireless:

 

Reason one, speed. Although, wireless data speed standards (like the newly ratified 802.11N standard) are getting faster, they cannot presently beat the data transfer speeds on a wired connection. Moreover, most wireless routers currently in use only go as far as wireless 802.11G standard (54 to 108 Mbps) – and in some cases can’t handle high data transfer rates well. So, for example, if you’re trying to stream a movie, you may encounter playback stuttering (even if you have very high speed broadband) because of your wireless network. As well, data transfer hiccups on a wireless network can occur even when you have features enabled to prevent them, like quality of service (QOS.)

 

Another factor which can affect wireless network speed is that your wireless router and computer may not like each other. In other words, either due to subtle incompatibilities in hardware, software, firmware or whatever, your wireless router and computer may have trouble communicating. When they do manage to communicate, it is usually at a slower speed than what the devices are rated to communicate at. For instance, I have two netbooks (an HP and a ASUS) which use the same wireless router. The HP netbook connects fine with the router with no problems whereas the ASUS often has issues and sometimes refuses to connect at all. Even though I’ve upgraded the router’s firmware to the latest version, upgraded the wireless device drivers on the ASUS to the latest versions, the problem still exists. This incompatibility factor is not often talked about in regards to wireless networking, but it often can rear its ugly head in exasperating, inexplicable speed issues.

 

One other major issue that may affect wireless network speed are the types of devices attached to it. Let’s say that you’ve have a 802.11N router with devices attached that are mixed 802.11G/N. There’s a high probability that the router will slow everything down to G rates including the N devices. This is because the router has to best manage the data pathways to all the devices attached to it, which, in some cases, is accomplished by slowing down. Even if everything on your wireless network is N standard, your router may slow itself down to G. This is because some of the newer N routers can detect the close proximity of G networks. If the G networks are too close, your N router may go into a “good neighbor” mode and slow down to G standard.

 

First bottom line, if you are doing anything which involves moving a lot of data around from computer to computer, a wired connection is the best way to go. As of this writing, there is no consumer wireless networking technology that can beat the speed performance of a 100 Mbps or 1000 Mbps wired network. Wireless networking technology that outstrips wired networking may exist in some government black ops facility (and that would be a secret, so shush) but it does not now exist in the consumer world.

 

Reason two, stability. A wireless network can be affected by several factors such as distance, radio frequency congestion, etc that can cause anything from slowdowns to dropped connections. Even though your wireless router states its speed as 108 Mbps, the actual speed you get may vary. Many times the actual connection speed may be up to two thirds less than than the rated speed even if you are relatively close to the router. More often, wireless connection speeds may become unstable and vary wildly throughout a computing session. The reasons behind why wireless networks can be unstable are obvious as well as hidden.

 

A major factor that can affect a wireless network stability is what the routers radio transmission has to travel through to get to you. If, for instance, there are a few walls between your laptop and the wireless router, you may encounter issues such as slow speeds or dropped connections. In other words, you could have a scenario such as this; your wireless router is in your basement and the computer that connects to it is in the den above the basement. Due to the construction of the basement, the router’s signal may be bouncing of the ceiling, barely making it to the computer, and thereby causing connection problems.

 

What your wireless router has to compete with also affects wireless networking stability. Most wireless routers transmit on the 2.4 GHz radio frequency. This is the same frequency that Bluetooth, many cordless phones or devices such as microwave ovens emit RF on. So, for example, if someone in your house turns on the microwave to pop some popcorn, your wireless network may drop dead in the process! To overcome this, you may be tempted to try the 802.11A standard which uses the 5.8 GHz radio frequency. You would quickly find (as have I) that this may not work either. Although, your 802.11A network would be safe from your microwave oven, it still would suffer from stability problems. The 5.8 GHz radio frequency has shorter wavelengths than the 2.4 GHz frequency. Simply put, a shorter radio wavelength means less distance traveled and more difficulty penetrating things (like walls) by the radio signal.  Consequently, you’d still be stuck with stability problems, no matter which standard was used, A or G.

 

Competition that your wireless router has to contend with, and which again affects stability, comes in forms other than a microwave. If you live in a typical neighborhood, like mine, there may be upwards twenty other homes that have wireless networks. Your network as well as your neighbor’s network are competing for the same radio spectrum space and radio channels. To put it in another way, your wireless data is doing a commute from a to b, similar to your commute back and forth to work. Just like there is sometimes roadway congestion often times preventing your timely arrival to work, the same thing happens in the wireless networking world. Also just as the weather can affect your real world commute, weather can affect wireless networking. Weather conditions can actually boost the effective range of a wireless signal. When this happens in a already wireless congested neighborhood, chances are that you will encounter stability problems.

 

Second bottom line, wired networks provide consistently better stability and are much less prone to slowdowns or dropped connections. As well, a wired network suffers none of the issues that wireless does, like radio frequency congestion or interference. So in other words, with a wired network, your kids can use the microwave to pop popcorn while you do your computing in peace. As well, you don’t have to worry about your neighbor crowding you out radio spectrum wise when the weather conditions are just right.

 

Reason three, security. A wireless network, because of its very nature, is easier to hack than a wired network. Although, a wireless router may be properly set up in terms of it’s firewall, security encryption and MAC filtering, it’s still broadcasting over the air. Anyone with a laptop loaded with the appropriate software can detect and hack wireless signals. Moreover, every current wireless security protocol can be now overcome by a hacker. In another analogy, a wireless network is like a wireless door to your house. As with the physical doors to your home, a determined hacker can kick in your wireless door. And once a miscreant gains access to your wireless network, they have access to everything attached to your network, wired or wireless. For instance, your neighbor who lives three doors down from you (who has successfully hacked into your wireless network), may be using your web-cam to spy on you! That same deviant, hacker neighbor of your’s (who may not be thrilled about how you look on the webcam), may also be stealing your broadband bandwidth for sole the purpose of surreptitiously downloading something like porn. Due to their illegal activity, on your wireless network, you get stuck with angry emails from your ISP – and – quite possibly a visit from the police! Consider too, that your wireless network can be hacked by someone who does not live in your neighborhood. Some of the more recent commercial data breaches happened due to someone driving around in a car and detecting wireless signals. In one case, the criminals just simply sat outside of stores in their cars with laptops and hacked into the wireless networks of the businesses where they detected a signal. The same type of thing is being done in residential neighborhoods – so yes, it can happen to you!

 

Third and final bottom line, a wired network is harder to break into. Since again, nothing is being broadcast over the air, the only access point that a hacker can try is the firewall in a wired only router. I’m not saying that a wired router can’t be hacked, it’s just that it’s more difficult to do so.

 

So if you’re considering setting up a computer network, and have to choose between wired or wireless, go with wired. Particularly, again, if you are doing anything that involves moving a lot of data around, like streaming movies from your media server to your home theater computer. If you do need wireless for a device like a iPod touch, consider getting a wireless access point for your wired network. BTW, if a wireless access point cannot be had, a wireless router can function as a AP, just by disabling its router functionality.

 

I know that there are cases where a wired network is impractical, thus, leaving you with wireless as the only option. As with anything in life, that’s the breaks, and you go with the only option that is available to you. If, however, the opportunity presents itself for you to construct a wired network (either through a new home construction, house rewire, or plain Jane do it yourself sweat equity) by all means take that opportunity. While you’re going about the business of building your wired network, remember also to ignore the naysayers who complain about the mess of wires. Again, as with everything in life, there are solutions to make a wired network neat while maintaining its functionality.

 

Which ever way you go, wired or wireless, make sure everything is setup properly security wise. Also, don’t be lulled into thinking that wireless is better than wired networking, no matter which prominent technology web site says so.

How to Install an Outdoor Wireless Modem

Having a wireless internet connection can allow web browsing on laptops and PDAs from both indoor and outdoor locations near the wireless router.


Being able to use your laptop in the backyard or on the front porch can free you from the confines of an office or desk area.

A modem and router does not need to be installed outdoors to be used outdoors. This means that the wireless network can be accessed from outside without having to place networking equipment outside where it can be damaged by the elements.

Instructions

Purchase a wireless network router from an electronics or computer store. Prices are about $ 50 US dollars for a wireless router.


Turn off your cable or broadband modem. Connect the wireless router to the modem by using an ethernet cable. Connect one end to the modem and the other end to the internet in port on the wireless router.

Connect the primary computer (if there is one) to one of the available connection out ports on the router. Typically a cable or broadband modem is kept nearby a desktop or primary computer.

Turn on the modem. Wait 30 seconds to a minute. Then turn on the wireless router. Turn on the primary computer or laptop.

Turn on the wireless option on the laptop or PDA, usually found under internet connections or network connections.

Locate the wireless router by browsing for it in the list of nearby wireless connections. You may need to set up a secured wireless network.

Visit the website that is listed with the wireless router instructions and follow the instructions. Through this site you will be able to change the router’s default settings and create a password protected secure network. You can also name your router to make it easier to locate when searching for a connection on a wireless device.

The range of most wireless routers is sufficient to cover the majority of your home and surrounding property. If you can not get a signal from where you are outdoors, consider moving the wireless router closer to that area. A longer ethernet cable can allow this without moving the main modem and connection. Wireless router packaging will detail ranges and effective placement in the included instructions.

Secure the wireless network through the website provided by the wireless router maker. This will allow only those with a password to access the network.


For those needing longer range or true outdoor wireless internet access points, weatherproof wireless access point devices can be purchased for around 200 dollars. These devices connect to an existing wired or wireless router and transmit the wireless signal to a surrounding outdoor area. Their rugged design allows them to withstand extreme temperatures, water, and UV rays.