Chapter 7 Summary
After my review of Chapter 7 it was understood it was about everything about wireless tech and how in the last 50 years has completely changed the landscape for how we all connect to the internet and to each other all over the world. In the late 1970's basic voice calls started with the evolution of 1G, and now in 2026 all the way up to 4G and even 5G networks! With each generation that came afterwards, they all got faster and were all able to handle even more data than the last generation. Examples of this include the first smartphone text messages all the way up to smartphones being able to stream in 4K HD, browse the web, and even act as a standalone internet access!, (Mobile Hotspot). We also learn about different wireless networks such as WLAN (this is WIFI for local areas) such as office spaces, or small computer labs. PANS which are just simple bluetooth connections to your device such as wireless earbuds, wireless speaker, and even streaming your devices screen to your TV! And then we have WWANs which is just a very large celluar broadband that reaches and spreads across a big geographic area such as large cities.
In this module I really enjoyed learning about how WLAN and WIFI truly work! Things like access points, hotspots, and mesh networks are a smarter choice for something like campuses, and apartments since they are able to bounce signals between nodes with only a SINGLE wired connection, how crazy is that? There are devices made for portable hotspots, this is called MiFi. Later in the chapter, it brings up PANS and Bluetooth connection. This is connecting devices in short range, these include earbuds, speakers, and watches. The IoT or (The Internet of Things). This part in my opinion was one of the coolest parts of the entire chapter. This informs us that all of our smart/fitness watches, thermostats, and medical sensors are in one way shape or form all chatting wirelessly sharing data, kind of scary!
The second half of of the Chapter talks deeply into wireless security and keeping your information safe and secure, because in todays day and age it is WAY to easy to get hacked! When connecting to a wireless connection (especially a PUBLIC one) this is one of the most dangerous things to connect your personal device too. This is because signals are flying through the air and anybody nearby who is looking to cause malintent, will and CAN very very easily. It is a huge security tip to constantly change your passwords on your router, your social medias, banks accounts, etc. This is because there are always password leaks and if your password somehow gets leaked it is always a great idea to make sure to change it at least monthly to ensure the maximum security to your accounts. The scariest type of data interception is seemingly one you'd think you could avoid the most, but it is the Over the Shoulder attack. This is caused by sitting in a public area, getting IT help from a corrupt tech person, or just someone you trust. This is caused by someone standing over you "helping" you but when you type in sensitive information such as PINS, passwords, and credit card numbers they can see what you type in and steal it without actually saving or writing anything down.
This module made me way more paranoid about connecting to public WIFI and surprisingly even campus WIFI, but at the end of the day it is some really great information to have known because one day it really could save your device, financials, and accounts you may own. As someone who really lives through my mobile device, and my PC it's a real life reminder that all this wireless connections comes with seemingly hidden but REAL responsibilities to say safe, and to keep your very valuable, and sensitive information. Overall this was a very helpful module, and helped give me real life safety tips while using wireless deivces and connecting to public connections.