Wireless Networks First-Step

by James T. Geier and Jim Geier

Book Overview

Your First-Step into the World of Wireless Networks No experience required Gain an understanding of wireless networking basics with this reader friendly guide The first book anyone should read about... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1587201119
• ISBN13: 9781587201110
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Cisco Press
• Length: 238 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

easy to follow

From Cisco comes a very easy to read explanation of what is a wireless network and how to set one up. Clearly addressed to the technology neophyte. Geier shows the basic ideas behind multipath propagation, and attenuation of a signal due to air, water and obstacles. He also outlines the qualitative features of various communication encodings, like Quadrature Amplitude Modulation, Phase Shift Keying and spread spectrum. The amount of maths behind these, in technical texts, is immense. But he gives you the gist. There is also a good discussion of security in a wireless net, and what you can do to protect yourself.

An overview of wireless networking, along with details of applicable standards and technologies

As a basic introduction to wireless networking, Wireless Networks First-Step assumes that readers have no previous wireless experience. Wireless network expert Jim Geier provides an overview of wireless networking, along with details of applicable standards and technologies. Newcomers to wireless technologies will find practical information along with an abundance of examples. Case studies throughout the chapters provide *real world* implementation examples, presented in a nontechnical fashion. Implementation details are discussed only to the extent that readers can identify what type of wireless network may be appropriate for their needs. An *especially* *recommended* instructional "how to" manual for the novice, Wireless Networks First-Step would make a welcome and appreciated addition to *high school* computer class reference collections and community library resources for non-specialist general readers wanting to understand the new wireless technologies.

A Good First Step to Wireless Networks

Wireless Networks First-Step (Your first step into the world of wireless networks) Reviewer Name: Steve Owen Scheiderer, Network Administrator Reviewer Certification: MCSE NT 4.0, CCNA ISBN: 1-58720-111-9 Even though this book is smaller than other First-Step books I've reviewed, it is "big" in the insights it provides the reader. As the saying goes: "Dynamite comes in small packages." This book by Jim Geier will assist the reader in understanding the underlying technology, compatibility and security issues associated with wireless networks. While it may be tempting to view wireless networks as a simple solution to pulling cable, Geier takes the reader through the somewhat complex considerations for a successful wireless implementation. Whether wireless PANs, LANs, MANs or WANs (Chapters Four through Seven) are needed for a productive business each category has unique variables to consider and this book treats each in turn. An overarching theme in most chapters is security and the book ends with a strong chapter (Eight) on this crucial subject. (Couple this with Network Security First-Step by Tom Thomas and one has an even bigger charge of dynamite.) The intermediate or advanced reader may find the "Wireless Network Applications" and "Benefits" sections of Chapter One to be too long, detailed and somewhat redundant. What would have been helpful to the beginning reader is more emphasis on network security up front. Chapter Two not only explains "How Wireless Works" but also gives good practical advice on various levels - especially compatibility issues. (See ISA, p. 35, Mini-PCI, p. 36, 10Base-T, p. 47, and Optical Fiber, p. 48 to mention a few examples.) After the quick-read of Chapter One, the reader will have to slow down the pace to absorb technical details of Chapters Two and Three. I found myself sketching out some of the discussion to better visualize how everything fits together. As with most technical books the "alphabet soup" of terms can get a bit overwhelming. A couple of terms I could not find definitions for in the text, glossary or index. (It would have been nice to know where a strange term like "bluetooth" comes from as this information would make one seem really smart at parties.) Because Geier's years of experience and practical suggestions shine throught the book, I would definitely read other titles by this author and his team of technical editors. I give Wireless Networks First-Step a 4.5 rating on a scale of 1 to 5. An on-line errata page would greatly assist the reader in filling in some of gaps, typos, etc. missed by the author and editors.

A Good Basic Book to Get a System Operating

Not long ago no one would have thought of trying to communicate date without wires. Oh sure, you had a wireless remote for the TV, but that was about it. Then wireless LANs came about. Most of the users I know use them around the house. You can plug a card into your laptop and work anywhere in the house from the hammock out back to the TV room. And of course you can take your laptop to Starbucks or McDonalds and check your e-mail. And with new cell phone/PDA's you can work on a world wide basis. This is a new book, completely up to date that is an introduction to wireless communications. It covers all aspects of communicating data over the airways and gives you enough information to be able to go buy the equipment you need for whatever task you need to perform. It is not a super-geek type book that goes into how the radio signals operate, but it is enough to get you started.