Topic 7 - Wireless Network Hardware (cn)
1. Explain the following wireless device and discuss how to properly choose each device.
The purpose of a wireless router is to transfer data wirelessly from one location to another. The router is used to secure networks and to connect different devices to the Internet. Wireless routers connect to a LAN, or local area network, without the need of Ethernet cords.
A wireless access point (WAP) is a hardware device or configured node on a local area network (LAN) that allows wireless capable devices and wired networks to connect through a wireless standard, including Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Wireless Print Server enables a single USB printer to be shared on a wireless network. Wireless print servers are small devices (they look like mini routers) that have a USB port. All need to do to connect the printer to this wireless print server using a regular USB cable and the printer will then become available to all other computers in the wireless network.
A Wi-Fi range extender, sometimes called a range expander, is a type of wireless repeater used to expand the reach of a wireless LAN. The range extender connects wirelessly to the router or access point, picks up the signal and retransmits it.Â
2. To create a good network the basic plan is
Decide what kind of WLAN is needed
Purchase the best equipment the budget allows for
Identify where to effectively set-up access point?
The best place to set-up access point is as close as possible to the centre of the area that want to cover. Avoid surrounding it with metal objects, or Concrete or brick walls since it will distract the signals.Â
How to secure wireless network?
Set up password for the router, and Encryption and limit access for the wireless network.
3. Identify the steps on troubleshoot network for the following problems
Logging in problem - check and making sure the hardware and network infrastructure is all okay. Enter the username and password correctly.Â
Ip Address problem -Â each computer on a network is given a numerical address in the format xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx, make sure when enter at the command prompt the correct Ip Address.Â
Network Cards-Â Â check that all network cards are installed properly.
 Peer-to-Peer Networks -If cannot see shared resources on a peer-to-peer network, ensure the workgroup name is the same on all the PCs in the workgroup.
Check WAN and LAN connections - Check all wireless access point (AP) or wireless router ports to ensure that Ethernet cables are inserted tightly and link status LEDs are green at both ends.
Verify wireless adapter - Â Ensure the client's Wi-Fi adapter used for network troubleshooting is enabled and ready to connect.
Verify AP and router settings - Use your wireless access point or router's administrative GUI to verify network settings for the wireless network service set identifier (SSID) to which your Wi-Fi client is trying to connect.
Verify network connection with Ping - Once the wireless client has a valid IP address, use ping to verify network connectivity.
Check wireless-specific issues - If the wireless client still cannot connect, get a valid IP address or ping theAP or router, then it's time to consider wireless-specific problems.
Look for a security mismatch - If a matched wireless client and AP or router can "hear" each other but still can't connect or exchange traffic, look for a security mismatch.
Ensure RADIUS is working - WPA and WPA2-Enterprise log the client into the network and deliver encryption keys using an 802.1X-capable RADIUS server.
Check 802.1X EAP and user login - If RADIUS is working but the client's access requests are rejected, look for an 802.1X Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) or user login problem.
Check intermittent network connectivity issues - Encounters intermittent network connectivity problems which lead to poor signal strength, RF interference, or disconnection caused by AP roaming.
Server/infrastructure issues.
Having an agreement with a network contractor with engineers trained in the operating system and hardware that are used.
It is essential to check that backups are actually running and then make sure the server can restore data properly.
Let the user get notified to save some files to local hard drives to work on while the server is unavailable or get crashed, and get maintenance.
If the users start complaining that the network is slow perhaps the server's hard drive is starting to fill up or it has become fragmented. Check the properties of the disk to see how much free space there are, and the server need to upgrade or add another disk.
Regular check the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) in case it reach to a point where they can't hold a charge any longer and need replacing.
Reference. (2017). What is the purpose of a wireless router?. [online] Available at: https://www.reference.com/technology/purpose-wireless-router-1342bf64ebeb3b30 [Accessed 9 Jun. 2017].
Techopedia.com. (2017). What is a Wireless Access Point (WAP)? - Definition from Techopedia. [online] Available at: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/13538/wireless-access-point-wap [Accessed 9 Jun. 2017].
What is Wi-Fi range extender (range expander)? - Definition from WhatIs.com. (2017). SearchMobileComputing. Retrieved 10 June 2017, from http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/Wi-Fi-range-extender
How to Install a Wireless LAN. (2017). PCMAG. Retrieved 10 June 2017, from http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1540976,00.asp
Securing Your Wireless Network | Consumer Information. (2017). Consumer.ftc.gov. Retrieved 10 June 2017, from https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0013-securing-your-wireless-network
Network Troubleshooting for Workstations. (2017). Techsoup.org. Retrieved 10 June 2017, from http://www.techsoup.org/support/articles-and-how-tos/network-troubleshooting-for-workstations
10 steps to troubleshoot wireless connection problems. (2017). SearchNetworking. Retrieved 10 June 2017, from http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/tip/Wireless-network-troubleshooting-Connectivity
Network Troubleshooting for Servers. (2017). Techsoup.org. Retrieved 10 June 2017, from http://www.techsoup.org/support/articles-and-how-tos/network-troubleshooting-for-servers