Wireless Networking

Difference between wireless and fixed telephone networks

Feature Wireless Telephone Networks Fixed Telephone Networks

Transmission
Medium Radio waves (wireless signals) Physical cables (e.g., copper, fiber)
Mobility High mobility, can be used anywhere Limited mobility, tied to fixed location
Uses a network of landlines and
Infrastructure Relies on cell towers and base stations exchanges
Installation Quick and easy, minimal infrastructure Requires physical cable installation
Wide coverage area, may have dead Generally consistent coverage within a
Coverage zones region
Susceptible to interference and signal More reliable, less affected by external
Reliability loss factors
Quality may vary based on signal Consistent and high-quality
Call Quality strength connections
Cost Often cheaper for infrastructure setup Initial setup costs may be higher
Flexibility More flexible in terms of relocation Limited flexibility, tied to fixed lines
Speed Generally lower data transfer speeds Higher data transfer speeds possible
May be more susceptible to hacking and Generally more secure due to physical
Security interception connections
Longer deployment time for new
Deployment Time Quick deployment and expansion infrastructure
Examples Mobile networks (e.g., 4G, 5G) Landline networks (e.g., PSTN, DSL)

2.5G : (GPRS : general packet radio service)

enabled web browsing, email , fast upload speed.

uses packet switching which helped in decreasing cost.
2G + GPRS = 2.5G
TDMA
The development of wireless networks has been a dynamic and rapid process, marked by significant
technological advancements over the years. Here is a brief overview of the key stages in the
development of wireless networks:

1. First Generation (1G): Analog Voice: AMPS : advance mobile phone system
• Introduced in the 1980s.
no security
• Focused solely on voice calls. limited battery life
• Used analog signals for communication. speed 2.4kbps
• Limited capacity and poor call quality.
2. Second Generation (2G): Digital Voice and SMS: GSM : global system for mobile communication
• Emerged in the 1990s. circuit switching
• Transitioned to digital signals, improving voice quality. noise immunity increased
• Introduced SMS (Short Message Service). speed 64kbps
• Gave rise to GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and CDMA TDMA (Code
( Time
Division Multiple Access) technologies.
3. Third Generation (3G): Mobile Data: UMTS : universal mobile telecommunication and system
• Rolled out in the early 2000s. packet switching
• Provided faster data transfer for internet access. cost efficient., speed : 144kbps to 2mbps
• Enabled multimedia services, video calling, and mobile internet. CDMA ( specificaly WCDMA)
• Technologies included UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) and
CDMA2000.
4. Fourth Generation (4G): LTE and Mobile Broadband:
• Deployed around 2010. packet switching and message switching
• Brought significant improvements in data speed and capacity. CDMA multiplexing
• Introduced Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology. 10X faster than 3G
• Enabled high-speed mobile internet, mobile broadband, and advanced multimedia
services.
5. Fifth Generation (5G): Ultra-Fast and Low Latency:
• Ongoing development, starting around 2019. packet and message switching
• Promises much higher data speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity.
• Utilizes advanced technologies like millimeter-wave spectrum, massive MIMO
(Multiple Input Multiple Output), and network slicing. speed : 1gbps
• Enables applications like augmented reality, virtual reality, and the Internet of Things
(IoT).
6. Beyond 5G (B5G) and 6G: Anticipated Future Developments:
• Research and development are underway for the next phases of wireless networks,
often referred to as Beyond 5G (B5G) and 6G.
• Expected to bring even faster speeds, improved reliability, and support for emerging
technologies.
• Focus on technologies such as terahertz frequencies, advanced beamforming, and
intelligent networking.
7. Wireless Network Evolution:
• Continuous evolution in network architecture, including the move toward
virtualization and software-defined networking.
• Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for network optimization and management.
• Expansion of wireless connectivity beyond traditional smartphones to include a
diverse range of devices in the Internet of Things (IoT).

The development of wireless networks has not only enhanced communication capabilities but has also
driven innovation in various industries, transforming the way people connect, work, and live. The
ongoing evolution of wireless technologies is likely to shape the future of communication and
connectivity.

ISDN, or Integrated Services Digital Network, is a set of communication standards that enables the
transmission of voice, video, and data over digital telephone lines. It was developed to provide a more
efficient and versatile alternative to traditional analog telephone networks. ISDN uses digital signaling
to offer higher-quality voice calls and simultaneous data transmission. Here are key aspects of ISDN:

1. Channels:
• ISDN channels are divided into Bearer Channels (B channels) and Delta Channels (D
channels).
• B channels are used for user data transmission, such as voice or data. In Basic Rate
Interface (BRI), there are two B channels (64 kbps each), and in Primary Rate Interface
(PRI), there can be multiple B channels.
• D channels are used for signaling and control information, handling call setup,
teardown, and other control functions.
2. Types of ISDN:
• Basic Rate Interface (BRI): Commonly used in residential and small business
settings, BRI consists of two B channels (64 kbps each) and one D channel (16 kbps),
providing a total bandwidth of 144 kbps.
• Primary Rate Interface (PRI): More suitable for larger business environments, PRI
offers a higher capacity. It typically includes 23 B channels (in North America) or 30 B
channels (in Europe and other regions), each operating at 64 kbps, along with one D
channel.
3. Digital Transmission:
• ISDN uses digital signals for transmission, offering better voice quality compared to
analog systems.
• Digital transmission allows for the simultaneous transfer of voice and data on the
same line.
4. Applications:
• ISDN was widely used for voice calls, video conferencing, and data transmission.
• It played a crucial role in the early days of the internet, providing faster dial-up
internet access compared to analog modems.
5. Advantages:
• Improved voice quality due to digital transmission.
• Simultaneous transmission of multiple services on the same line.
• Faster call setup times compared to analog systems.
6. Disadvantages:
 • Limited bandwidth compared to modern broadband technologies.
• Higher costs associated with ISDN infrastructure and services.
7. Decline:
• ISDN has faced a decline in usage, especially in regions where newer broadband
technologies like DSL, cable, and fiber optics offer higher bandwidth at lower costs.
• Many telecommunications providers have phased out ISDN services in favor of these
more advanced technologies.

In summary, while ISDN was a significant advancement in its time, it has largely been replaced by
more efficient and cost-effective broadband technologies for both voice and data transmission.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allowing you to make voice calls over a
broadband Internet connection instead of an analog (regular) phone line. Some VoIP services
allow you to call people using the same service, but others may allow you to call anyone. They can
have a telephone number – including local, long-distance, mobile, and international numbers or
not. Some VoIP services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone while other
services allow you to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter.
How VoIP / Internet Voice Works –
Voice is converted into a digital signal by VoIP services that travel over the Internet. If the regular
phone number is called, the signal is converted to a regular telephone signal i.e. an analog signal
before it reaches the destination. VoIP can allow you to make a call directly from a computer
having a special VoIP phone, or a traditional phone connected to a special adapter. Wireless hot
spots in locations such as airports, hospitals, cafes, etc allow you to connect to the Internet and
can enable you to use VoIP service wirelessly.
Advantages of VoIP –

1. Some VoIP services offer features and services that are not available with a traditional
phone, or are available but only for an additional fee.
2. Paying for both a broadband connection and a traditional telephone line can be
avoided.
3. Smoother connection than an analog signal can be provided.

Disadvantages of VoIP –

1. Some VoIP services don’t work during power outages and the service provider may not
offer backup power.
2. Not all VoIP services connect directly to emergency services through emergency
service numbers.
3. VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance.

Popular VoIP Services:

Many providers offer VoIP services, including Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and various business-oriented
VoIP solutions.
IP-based telephony, often referred to as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that
enables voice communication and multimedia sessions over the Internet or other IP networks. This
approach uses the Internet Protocol (IP) to transmit voice signals as digital data packets, making it a
more flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional circuit-switched telephony. Here are key
aspects of IP-based telephony:

1. Digital Transmission:
• IP-based telephony converts analog voice signals into digital data packets.
• These packets are transmitted over IP networks, including the Internet.
2. Internet Connectivity:
• IP-based telephony relies on a robust and reliable internet connection for voice
transmission.
• Quality of Service (QoS) measures may be implemented to ensure optimal voice
quality, especially in business environments.
3. Cost Savings:
• IP-based telephony is often more cost-effective than traditional telephone services,
particularly for long-distance and international calls.
• Businesses can reduce communication costs by adopting IP-based telephony
solutions.
4. Flexibility:
• IP-based telephony systems are highly flexible and scalable, allowing for easy
expansion or reduction of users without major infrastructure changes.
• Users can access telephony services from various devices, including computers,
smartphones, and IP phones.
5. Unified Communications:
• IP-based telephony is a fundamental component of Unified Communications (UC)
solutions, integrating voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools into a unified
platform.
• UC enhances communication and collaboration within organizations.
6. Features:
• IP-based telephony systems offer a wide array of features, such as voicemail, call
forwarding, conferencing, video calling, and integration with other digital
applications.
• Advanced features like auto-attendants, call routing, and analytics are often available.
7. Security:
• Security measures, including encryption and firewalls, are crucial for protecting IP-
based telephony systems from unauthorized access, eavesdropping, and other
security threats.
8. Mobile IP Telephony:
• Mobile applications enable users to make IP-based calls on smartphones, utilizing
cellular data or Wi-Fi connections.
9. Business Applications:
• IP-based telephony is widely adopted in business environments, offering cost savings,
scalability, and advanced features.
• It supports remote work and collaboration among distributed teams.

IP-based telephony has transformed the telecommunications landscape, providing a more efficient
and feature-rich communication solution. Its continuous development has led to improvements in
voice quality, reliability, and integration with other digital services.