What are the different types of wireless network architectures?

Ad hoc networks simplify deployment of wireless communication by allowing devices to connect directly, bypassing the need for a central hub. This flexibility makes them invaluable in situations where traditional networks are infeasible, such as in disaster recovery scenarios. The network's ability to adapt as devices move around safeguard continuous operation, crucial in e.g. military application and disaster/emergency situations. While routing and security pose challenges, addressed by protocols like AODV and DSR, ad hoc networks exemplify the power of decentralized systems in simplifying communication and driving technological progress.

Redes ad hoc são formadas por dispositivos conectados diretamente, sem a necessidade de infraestrutura centralizada. São ideais para situações temporárias, como resposta a desastres, onde é essencial estabelecer comunicação rapidamente. A escalabilidade, no entanto, é limitada.

Ad-hoc wireless networks are decentralized networks that allow devices to communicate directly with each other without relying on a fixed infrastructure like routers or access points. Each device, or node, in an ad-hoc network acts as both a host and a router, forwarding data to other nodes within its range. These networks are dynamically formed, making them ideal for temporary scenarios such as disaster recovery, military operations, and collaborative meetings, where traditional network infrastructure may be unavailable. Ad-hoc networks are characterized by their flexibility, scalability, and self-organizing nature, although they face challenges such as limited range, network stability, and security concerns.

Ad Hoc Networks When and Where Rolled Out: Ad hoc networks are typically used in scenarios where infrastructure is not available or feasible, such as in disaster recovery, military operations, or temporary events. They do not rely on pre-existing infrastructure, and deployment happens ad-hoc in real-time. Standard: Ad hoc networks do not follow a single global standard like 3GPP, but can leverage protocols like IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, or Zigbee for device communication. Why We Need These Networks: They provide flexibility and rapid setup in environments where establishing traditional infrastructure is impractical. ex, in emergency situations, ad hoc networks can quickly provide communication channels when regular networks are down.

1)Infrastructure Mode: Devices communicate via a central access point (e.g., Wi-Fi router) for managed connectivity. 2)Ad-Hoc Networks: Devices communicate directly with each other without a central access point. 3)Mesh Networks: Devices connect in a decentralized manner, dynamically routing data through multiple nodes for robust coverage. 4)Cellular Networks: Hierarchical architecture with base stations providing coverage, enabling mobile communication (e.g., 4G, 5G). 5)Point-to-Point (P2P): Direct communication between two fixed locations, typically for long-distance links. 6)Point-to-Multipoint (P2MP): A single central node communicates with multiple endpoints, common in broadband delivery.

Em Redes ad hoc – Dispositivos se conectam diretamente, sem precisar de um roteador ou infraestrutura fixa. Usadas em cenários temporários, como comunicação militar e emergências.

Wireless networks connect our world in amazing ways. Infrastructure networks power Wi-Fi and cellular systems through central hubs. Ad hoc networks let devices talk directly, perfect for temporary setups. Mesh networks create resilient connections for smart cities and IoT, while sensor networks monitor environments efficiently. Hybrid networks combine the strengths of all these, offering flexibility and reliability. These systems are the backbone of modern innovation.

Infrastructure networks form the foundation of most wireless communication deployments today, using often centralized management, access points with WLC:s and/or routers to manage device connections. This network architecture offers reliable and consistent network performance and is ideal for most environments like governments and businesses (SME to MNC) and public networks. By routing all communications through a central hub, infrastructure networks provide security, scalability and simplify network management. While they lack the spontaneous flexibility in that of ad hoc networks, infrastructure networks are essential for building stable, high-quality connections in structured settings, supporting a wide range of applications.

This type rely on a fixed framework of network devices, such as access points (APs) or base stations, to facilitate communication between devices. In these networks, devices connect to a centralized infrastructure, which manages traffic and ensures connectivity, often linking the wireless network to broader wired networks like the internet. This type of network provides stable and reliable communication, supports scalability, and allows for efficient management of resources such as bandwidth and security. Common examples include Wi-Fi networks in homes and offices, cellular networks (e.g., 4G, 5G), and public hotspots, which are well-suited for environments requiring robust connectivity and seamless integration with existing infrastructure.

Redes de infraestrutura utilizam pontos de acesso para conectar dispositivos a uma rede maior, como a internet. Amplamente usadas em empresas e residências, elas oferecem melhor gerenciamento e suporte para muitos dispositivos.

Infrastructure Networks 🏗️ When and Where Rolled Out: Wi-Fi networks are commonly deployed in homes, offices, and public spaces globally, while cellular networks are widespread, covering major cities, rural areas, and beyond. Wi-Fi is a long-established standard. 4G LTE began global deployment in 2010. 5G began rolling out in 2019, with large-scale deployment continuing through 2023 and beyond. 🌍📅 Standard: Wi-Fi: Governed by IEEE 802.11 standards. Cellular Networks: Governed by 3GPP standards R15/16. Why We Need: Cellular networks are vital for mobile communication globally. 5G, for instance, will enable speeds up to 100x faster than 4G and support low latency, enabling technologies like IoT, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities. 🚀📶

Em Redes de infraestrutura – Baseadas em pontos de acesso (APs) que conectam dispositivos à internet ou a outras redes. O modelo clássico do Wi-Fi doméstico e empresarial.

Redes Wi-Fi mesh, podem ser úteis quando investimento de infraestrutura cabeada para cada nó/AP for um impeditivo, dessa forma haverá pontos de acesso que estarão cabeados e outros não, estes que não terão infraestrutura cabeada serão “clientes/repetidores” dos pontos de acesso cabeados se juntando assim a rede e fornecendo a conexão Wi-Fi desejada, porém como ponto negativo irá gerar mais overhead e latência nas conexões

Redes Mesh (ou malha) são uma topologia de rede onde os dispositivos (chamados de nós) trabalham juntos para criar uma conexão distribuída e autogerenciável. Em vez de depender de um único roteador central, cada nó se comunica diretamente com os outros, permitindo maior cobertura, desempenho e resiliência

Mesh networks consist of interconnected nodes that work together to distribute data across the network. Unlike traditional networks that depend on a single unit, mesh networks ensure that each node communicates with multiple others, enhancing redundancy and coverage. This setup allows the network to self-heal by rerouting data if one node fails, stabilizing operations in network deployments but also roaming across nodes in an area. Mesh networks are particularly effective in large areas like campuses, parks and large buildings with several floors where robust, scalable and flexible wireless communication is essential. While driving initial CAPEX, their resilience makes them a valuable architecture for many modern networking needs.

Redes mesh permitem que cada dispositivo atue como roteador, criando uma estrutura resiliente. Se um nó falha, os dados são redirecionados automaticamente. São comuns em áreas grandes ou complexas.

Mesh wireless networks are decentralized systems where interconnected nodes work together to provide seamless and reliable connectivity. Each node can route data for others, ensuring robust coverage and redundancy by dynamically rerouting traffic if a node fails. Today, they are widely used in smart homes, community broadband, and industrial IoT, leveraging technologies like Wi-Fi 6 and self-healing capabilities for enhanced performance, scalability, and adaptability. This makes them ideal for environments requiring resilient and flexible wireless communication.

Mesh networks are commonly deployed in smart cities, large campuses, and IoT applications. They're also used in rural areas to extend coverage where traditional networks may not be feasible. Smart cities are rapidly adopting mesh technology for urban management 🌆📡 Standard: Mesh networks use protocols like IEEE 802.15.4 (Zigbee) and Wi-Fi Mesh, and 3GPP is integrating mesh concepts into 5G for network slicing and device-to-device communication. Why We Need: Mesh networks provide self-healing, resilient, and scalable communication in environments where traditional networks might fail. For instance, they’re vital for IoT devices and large-scale infrastructure in smart cities,. 🏙️🔄

Em Redes mesh – Conjunto de nós interconectados, onde cada nó ajuda a distribuir o sinal. Ideal para cobrir grandes áreas com conexão confiável, como cidades inteligentes.

💎 Si bien el Wi-Fi es el rey en casa, las redes celulares conquistan el mundo exterior con velocidades mucho más altas y una cobertura más amplia. ✅ Las #redes #celulares, son un salto cuántico que transformará la sociedad. Con #velocidades mucho más rápidas y una #latencia mínima, para experiencias inmersivas; realidad virtual y aumentada, telemedicina de alta calidad y ciudades inteligentes que optimizan el tráfico y el consumo energético. 🗝️ Estás redes permitirán la conexión masiva de dispositivos #IoT, abriendo amplias oportunidades en sectores como la agricultura, la industria y la logística, que conectarán millones de dispositivos simultáneamente, impulsando el desarrollo de ciudades inteligentes y la industria 4.0. Exito!👍

Redes celulares fornecem comunicação sem fio em grande escala, utilizando torres base. São fundamentais para serviços móveis, adaptando-se a tecnologias como 4G e 5G para melhorar a conectividade e a largura de banda.

Cellular networks are an important element of the global communication network, using a network of cells with base stations to offer wide-ranging coverage for mobile & IoT devices. This network model allows for seamless handoffs as authorized users move between cells and maintaining e.g. an ongoing voice call over one or several geographical areas. Cellular networks excel in scalability, supporting millions of users simultaneously. Security in cellular networks is robust, utilizing sophisticated encryptions to safeguard communications against e.g. eavesdropping and unauthorized access. Their ability to deliver reliable, secure & scalable connectivity over larger areas has cemented their role in supporting voice and data services worldwide.

Em Redes celulares – Utilizam torres para fornecer cobertura ampla para dispositivos móveis (3G, 4G, 5G). Essenciais para comunicação móvel e IoT.

💎Comunicación en cualquier lugar del mundo, incluso en medio del océano. Las #redes #satelitales lo hacen posible. Estos sistemas utilizan satélites en órbita baja para enviar y recibir datos, ofreciendo una #cobertura #global que llega a los rincones más remotos del planeta. ✅ Imagina una antena parabólica 📡 apuntando al cielo, conectándote directamente con un satélite. Aunque ofrece una gran cobertura, también tiene sus desafíos: la #latencia, suele ser mayor que en las conexiones terrestres, y el costo puede ser más elevado. Un ejemplo de red satelital que ha ganado mucha popularidad es #Starlink, de SpaceX. Con su #constelación de miles de satélites, promete brindar #internet de alta velocidad a cualquier lugar del mundo. Exitos!👍

Essas redes utilizam satélites para comunicação global, cobrindo áreas remotas onde as redes terrestres não alcançam. São valiosas para navegação, transmissões e conexões de emergência.

Satellite networks provide global wireless coverage by using satellites in orbit to communicate with ground-based stations and devices. Unlike terrestrial networks, they are not limited by geographical barriers, making them ideal for applications in remote and underserved areas. Satellite networks can also handle vast distances, offering connectivity in regions where traditional infrastructure is impractical. Security is a major concern, with encryption protocols ensuring the integrity and privacy of transmitted data. Despite facing issues like higher latency and operational costs, they are pivotal for worldwide communication, supporting services such as GPS, broadcasting and used in disaster recovery situations as well as in military ops.

Em Redes de satélites – Fornecem conectividade em locais remotos, usando satélites para transmitir sinais. Aplicações incluem telecomunicações globais e internet em áreas isoladas.

Pode adicionar mais uma Rede sem Fio a "LoRa" é uma solução que serve para a transmissão de dados, principalmente em locais de difícil acesso. Para esse funcionamento, um exemplo de aplicação seria no sistema IoT, como os sensores.

I regularly use 𝗟𝗼𝗥𝗮W𝗔𝗡 communications for the 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗱𝗲𝘀. This data is stored on a 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻 Virtual Server. The Database is then managed with 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝘅𝗗𝗕 and viewed remotely with 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱. This is basically an IoT system based on the LoRaWAN Protocol.

Outros tipos incluem redes de sensores e IoT, que suportam dispositivos conectados para monitoramento e automação. Escolher a arquitetura ideal depende das necessidades de cobertura, custo e desempenho.

Wireless networks are built upon many architectures, each with unique strengths. WPANs, like Bluetooth, connect devices within a short range, while WLANs offer broader coverage for private and commercial applications. WMANs, using technologies like WiMAX, span cities. RANs, such as cellular networks, provide nationwide connectivity. New technologies like 6G, LPWANs, and Wi-Fi 8 enhance speed, capacity, security and IoT support. Utilizing AI optimizes network usage, performance and security. Despite advancements, hybrid connectivity for simplification and robust security to protect against new threats, ensuring safe, reliable communication across all network types will remains crucial in the future.

Outros pontos a considerar: Redes LPWAN (Low-Power Wide-Area Network) – Para dispositivos IoT, como sensores inteligentes. Redes WiMAX – Alternativa ao Wi-Fi e fibra óptica para internet sem fio de longa distância. Redes híbridas – Combinam diferentes tecnologias para otimizar desempenho e cobertura.