Wireless Networking

Point to Point wireless network

Home and small office networks may require only a single wireless router, which is a single device that acts as a combination of an access point, or AP, and a router. This device may also come with a 3G, 4G, Cable, or DSL port for internet connectivity.
Larger offices will require several AP devices installed throughout their building to ensure robust wireless coverage. The access points will connect to the router through ethernet cables. Alternatively, organizations that require wireless connectivity between distant areas or buildings will need to use more than one powerful dish antenna to create long-distance, point-to-point connections.

The dishes send narrow, powerful beams in a specific direction and determine the range at which the devices are able to connect. Point-to-point connections require two wireless devices: one configured as a client while the other is configured as an access point.

The further apart the two devices are, the stronger and more focused the signal, and the dish, need to be to connect them.

Point to Multipoint

Sometimes referred to as the wireless ISP model, a point-to-multipoint connection is created by using numerous client devices connected to an access point and very powerful antennas for stronger signals over a wider area.

Basically, a point-to-multipoint connection is a large-scale access point network where all the clients are controlled by, and connected to the internet by, a single device at the center. Most wireless ISPs use this model to connect businesses and homes to the internet.

This type of wireless connection is based on the point-to-multipoint principle. However, it extends the concept to create a network where each node is connected to every other node within range, thus creating a meshed network.

However, all devices must be in Ad-Hoc mode rather than Client or AP mode. When connected, each wireless mesh node installed on the rooftops of various buildings will be able to share all resources that are connected to them. This includes internet connectivity and local servers hosting applications.

A hybrid network combines the principles of the preceding types of network connections to create a robust wireless network for large-sized companies. It is nearly impossible to design or build a community-sized network using a single type of networked connection.

Since a point-to-multipoint network is not strong enough to cover a large area, a hybrid approach combines it with mesh, or multipoint-to-multipoint, networks to extend coverage to nearby buildings, and point-to-point connections to join several disconnected networks and bridge longer distances.