Analysis of Wireless Networking Concepts: Encryption and IoT Energy

This report provides an overview of key wireless networking concepts. It begins with a comparison of data encryption standards for WiMAX networks, focusing on AES, RSA, and 3-DES, highlighting their key sizes and functionalities. The report then discusses traffic coordination in wireless mediums, explaining the role of the MAC layer and protocols like CSMA in preventing collisions. Finally, it explores the concept of energy harvesting in the Internet of Things, detailing the components of an energy harvesting system and emphasizing its importance for mobile and autonomous applications, including the conversion of ambient energy and the use of energy storage buffers, with a focus on photovoltaic and thermoelectric harvesters.

Running head: WIRELESS NETWORKING CONCEPTS
Wireless networking concepts
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1WIRELESS NETWORKING CONCEPTS
Question 1: Data encryption standards for WiMAX.
In this paragraph, comparison between three data encryption standards for WiMAX
networks will be provided.
The first standard is AES (Advanced Encryption standard) with 128 bit key. It is a
symmetric block cipher and it is chosen by the United States government for protection of
classified information (Heron, 2009). AES is comprised of three block ciphers which are
AES-128, AES-192 and AES-256. The function of each cipher is to encrypt and decrypt data
in blocks of 128 bits. The cryptographic keys that are used are 192, 128 and 256 bits.
The next encryption standard is RSA (Rivest, Shamir and Adleman) with 1024 bit
key. This is basically a cryptosystem made for public key encryption. It is mainly used for
securing sensitive data over networks that are not secured ("What is RSA algorithm (Rivest-
Shamir-Adleman)? - Definition from WhatIs.com", 2018). Two different mathematically
linked keys where one is public and the other one is private are used in asymmetric
cryptography which is also known as public key cryptography. In this encryption standard,
both the keys can be used to encrypt a message.
The 3rd standard is 3-DES (triple digital encryption standard). A type of computerized
cryptography where in each data block, block cipher algorithms are applied there times. Key
size can be increased in this standard for ensuring additional security. 64 bits of data is
contained in each block. Bundle keys are another name for the three keys with 56 bits per
key.

2WIRELESS NETWORKING CONCEPTS
Question 2- Traffic coordination in wireless medium and methods to prevent collision.
In a shared wireless medium, to coordinate traffic between nodes properly MAC
(Media access layer) is used. This layer is one of two sub layers which make up data link
layer of the OSI model ("What is MAC Layer? Webopedia Definition", 2018). The main
function of this layer is to move data packets between NIC (Network information Card) to
another shared channel. The sub layer that is Media access control uses some protocols for
ensuring signal sent form distinct channels must not collide with each other. CSMA (Carrier
sense multiple access) is a protocol for media access control layer which is basically used for
collision detection and avoidance. In this protocol, before transmitting on a shared medium
verifies the absence of other traffic. Here, a transmitter before initiating a transmission
determines whether another transmission is in progress and uses a carrier sense mechanism
for that. After that the transmitter tries to detect presence of carrier signal before trying to
transmit. When a carrier is sensed, then a node will wait for already happening transmission
to complete. There are variation of this protocols present and these are collision resolution,
collision detection and collision avoidance technique.
Question 3: Energy harvest in Internet of Things.
Internet of things is a common term nowadays when every application utilizes this
concept. For cars to coffee machine internet of things is everywhere. The concept that is
‘energy harvest’ offers advantages to improvement and development of Internet of things.
This energy harvest is a critical component for creating mobile and autonomous applications
which will be able to operate for a longer period of time without the need for recharging the
battery. Additionally it will help to cut the cost by delaying replacement for the battery
(Waldock, 2017). The setup of energy harvesting system is not very complex. Ambient
energy is converted to harvested power by energy harvesting transducer. After this the, PSU

3WIRELESS NETWORKING CONCEPTS
(Power management unit) transforms the harvested power into a form of usable power. In the
energy harvesting power generation design, energy storage forms a critical component. Here,
the storage will be used as an energy buffer. The buffer will collect power requirements of
sensor node. For the most effective design, there is a need to estimate how much power could
be harvested from the energy that is available. Light energy would be available in case of a
photovoltaic system. Additionally, a thermoelectric harvester could also be developed. The
most important thing is to select a harvester type based on available energy.

4WIRELESS NETWORKING CONCEPTS
References:
Heron, S. (2009). Advanced encryption standard (AES). Network Security, 2009(12), 8-12.
Waldock, K. (2017). The Future of Energy Harvesting IoT Applications. Retrieved from
https://www.arrow.com/en/research-and-events/articles/the-future-of-energy-
harvesting-iot-applications
What is MAC Layer? Webopedia Definition. (2018). Retrieved from
https://www.webopedia.com/TERM/M/MAC_layer.html
What is RSA algorithm (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman)? - Definition from WhatIs.com. (2018).
Retrieved from https://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/RSA