What You Will Learn
After reading this chapter, you should be able to
Understand the components of a wireless network
Discover general wireless network architectural elements
Understand how information flows through a wireless network
Wireless networks utilize components similar to wired networks; however, wireless networks must convert information signals into a form suitable for transmission through the air medium. Even though wireless networks directly contribute only to a portion of the overall network infrastructure, attention to all network functions is necessary to counter impairments resulting from the wireless medium. This chapter discusses concepts common to all types of wireless networks, with emphasis on components and information signals.