What are Wireless Networking Protocols

Wireless networks defined in IEEE 802.11 standards use radio frequencies with spread spectrum technology. The two spread spectrum technologies are as follows:



Frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS)

This is the method of transmitting RF signals by rapidly switching frequencies according to a pseudorandom pattern, which is known to both the sender and the receiver. FHSS uses a large range of frequency (83.5 MHz) and is highly resistant to noise and interference.



Direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS)

This is a modulation technique used by wireless networks that uses a wide band of frequency. It divides the signal into smaller parts and transmits them simultaneously on as many frequencies as possible. DSSS is faster than FHSS and ensures data protection. It utilizes a frequency range of 2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz and is used in 802.11b networks.


Security standards for these protocols are defined in the 802.11i standard.


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