A computer network or data network is a telecommunications network which allows computers to exchange data. In computer networks, networked computing devices pass data to each other along network links (data connections). The connections between nodes are established using either cable media or wireless media. The best-known computer network is the Internet (Wikipedia, 2015).

        Network computer devices that originate, route and terminate the data are called network nodes. Nodes can include hosts such as personal computers, phones, servers as well as networking hardware. Two such devices can be said to be networked together when one device is able to exchange information with the other device, whether or not they have a direct connection to each other (Geier, 2001).

        Computer networks differ in the transmission media used to carry their signals, the communications protocols to organize network traffic, the network’s size, topology and organizational intent. In most cases, communications protocols are layered on (i.e. work using) other more specific or more general communications protocols, except for the physical layer that directly deals with the transmission media. Computer networks support applications such as access to the World Wide Web, shared use of application and storage servers, printers, and fax machines, and use of email and instant messaging applications (Wikipedia, 2015).

        A wireless network is any type of computer network that uses wireless data connections for connecting network nodes. Wireless networking is a method by which homes, telecommunications networks and enterprise (business) installations avoid the costly process of introducing cables into a building, or as a connection between various equipment locations. Wireless telecommunications networks are generally implemented and administered using radio communication. This implementation takes place at the physical level (layer) of the OSI model network structure. Examples of wireless networks include cell phone networks, Wi-Fi local networks and terrestrial microwave networks.

Wireless media uses the antennas for sending and receiving the electromagnetic waves without using any physical conductors. Radio frequencies (RF) are generated by antennas that propagate the waves into the air. According to Molisch (2005), antennas for wireless transmission can be fall under two different categories:

–     Directional antennas: Directional antennas are commonly used in point-to-point configurations connecting two distant buildings LANs, and sometimes point-to-multipoint (connecting two WLANs). In this, sending and receiving antenna must be properly aligned for proper transmission. An example of a directional antenna is a Yagi antenna: this antenna allows you to adjust the direction and focus of the signal to strengthen the range/reach.

–     Omni-directional antennas: Omni-directional antennas are used in point-to multi-point configurations, where they distribute the wireless signal to other computers or devices in WLAN. An access point would use an Omni-directional antenna. These antennas can also be used for point-to-point connections. In this, signal is spread in all directions and can be received by any antenna which is compatible to receive the signals.

However, this study is aimed at providing an overview on computer networking with specific emphasis on wireless network