\subsection*{Practice 2.3: Wireless Network Elements and Frequency Bands (Subtema 2.5)}

\begin{objetivopractica}
The student will explore wireless network components operating in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, including DNS and DHCP services. This practice will demonstrate how wireless networks integrate with existing network infrastructure and provide the same services as wired networks through radio frequency communication.
\end{objetivopractica}

The practice begins with the student examining their home or campus wireless network infrastructure. They identify wireless access points, wireless routers, and other wireless network elements by observing device locations and network coverage areas.

\definicion{wireless access point}{A network device that provides wireless connectivity by bridging wireless and wired network segments}

The student opens their computer's wireless network configuration to examine frequency band information. Modern wireless adapters typically support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, often showing separate network names for each frequency range.

% \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{figuras/captura23_frequency_bands.png}

Using network analysis tools or smartphone wireless analyzer apps, the student scans for available wireless networks and documents which frequency bands each network uses. They observe how 2.4 GHz networks are more numerous but 5 GHz networks often provide better performance.

\definicion{2.4 GHz band}{A radio frequency range commonly used for wireless networking, Bluetooth, and other devices}

\definicion{5 GHz band}{A less congested radio frequency range that provides higher wireless network speeds}

The student examines DHCP services in wireless networks by observing their computer's automatic IP address assignment when connecting to wireless networks. They access network settings to view the DHCP-assigned IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS server information.

\definicion{DHCP}{Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol - a service that automatically assigns IP addresses to network devices}

The practice includes using command-line tools to examine wireless network configuration. The student opens Command Prompt or Terminal and uses "ipconfig" or "ifconfig" commands to display wireless interface settings and DHCP lease information.

% \href{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXXXX}{Wireless network elements and services}

The student investigates DNS services by testing domain name resolution over their wireless connection. They use "nslookup" or "dig" commands to query DNS servers and observe how wireless networks provide the same internet services as wired connections.

\definicion{DNS}{Domain Name System - a service that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses}

Using Wireshark on their wireless interface, the student captures network traffic to observe DHCP and DNS protocol operation. They examine DHCP request and response packets that occur when devices join wireless networks.

% \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{figuras/captura23_dhcp_packets.png}

The student analyzes DNS query and response packets in their wireless traffic capture. They observe how DNS requests travel over wireless connections and how responses provide the IP address information needed for internet communication.

The practice includes examining wireless network security elements such as authentication and encryption. The student observes how WPA2 or WPA3 security protocols protect wireless communication while allowing authorized devices to access network services.

\definicion{WPA2}{Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 - a security protocol that encrypts wireless network communications}

The student investigates wireless network performance characteristics by comparing 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network speeds. They use speed testing tools to measure bandwidth and latency differences between frequency bands.

The practice includes examining wireless network range and signal strength variation. The student moves to different locations while monitoring signal strength and connectivity quality, observing how physical obstacles and distance affect wireless performance.

% \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{figuras/captura23_signal_coverage.png}

The student documents wireless channel usage in their area by examining which channels different networks use in each frequency band. They understand how channel overlap in 2.4 GHz creates interference while 5 GHz provides more non-overlapping channel options.

\definicion{wireless channel}{A specific frequency range within the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands used for wireless communication}

The practice includes analyzing wireless network capacity limitations. The student observes how multiple devices sharing the same wireless access point affects individual device performance, demonstrating the shared medium characteristics of wireless networks.

The student examines enterprise wireless network elements such as wireless controllers and multiple access points working together. They research how large wireless networks coordinate access point operation and provide seamless connectivity across large areas.

The practice concludes with the student creating a comprehensive diagram of wireless network elements and their functions. They document how wireless networks integrate DHCP, DNS, and other network services while providing mobility and flexibility advantages over wired connections.

\begin{rubrica}
The student must submit a report containing clear evidence of completing the practice. The document should include screenshots, explanations of observations, and reflection on the learning achieved. The submission must demonstrate that the student understood the concept and was able to apply it with the indicated software.
\end{rubrica}

\subsection*{Suggested Report Format}

\textbf{Title:} Practice 2.3 - Wireless Network Elements and Frequency Bands \\
\textbf{Objective:} Written by the student according to what they understood. \\
\textbf{Development:} Clear narration of actions performed. \\
\textbf{Evidence:} Screenshots or other data obtained. \\
\textbf{Conclusions:} Technical reflection on what was learned. \\
\textbf{Personal Opinion:} Student's free opinion about the usefulness or difficulty of the practice.