Table of Contents
1. Title Page
2. Executive Summary
3. Introduction
3.1 Overview of WAN
3.2 Overview of Wireless WAN
3.3 Importance of Wireless WAN in Modern Networking
4. Project Objectives
5. Scope and Limitations
5.1 Scope
5.2 Limitations
6. Technical Background
6.1 WAN Technologies Overview
6.2 Wireless WAN Technologies (LTE, 5G, Microwave,
Satellite)
6.3 Comparison: Wired vs. Wireless WAN
6.4 Relevant WAN Protocols (PPP, MPLS, IPsec, GRE)
7. System Requirements
7.1 Hardware Requirements
7.2 Software Requirements
7.3 Environmental & Infrastructure Requirements
8. Network Design & Architecture
8.1 Proposed Topology Diagram
8.2 Logical vs. Physical Design
8.3 IP Addressing Scheme
8.4 Hardware Placement Plan
9. Implementation Plan
9.1 Planning Phase
9.2 Procurement Phase
9.3 Installation & Configuration Phase
9.4 Testing Phase
10. Security Considerations
10.1 Threat Analysis
10.2 Security Protocols and Policies
10.3 Firewall & Access Control Configurations
10.4 Data Encryption Strategies
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11. Network Administration Tasks
11.1 Monitoring Tools & Practices
11.2 Backup & Recovery Plans
11.3 Routine Maintenance
11.4 Log Management
12. Troubleshooting Methods
12.1 Common Wireless WAN Issues
12.2 Diagnostic Tools & Techniques
12.3 Corrective Actions
13. Case Studies
13.1 Case Study 1 – Corporate Wireless WAN Deployment
13.2 Case Study 2 – Educational Campus Wireless WAN
13.3 Case Study 3 – Rural Area Wireless WAN for Internet
Access
14. Cost Analysis & Budget
14.1 Equipment Cost Breakdown Table
14.2 Licensing & Software Costs
14.3 Installation & Maintenance Costs
15. Risk Assessment
15.1 Identified Risks
15.2 Mitigation Strategies
16. Future Scope & Upgrades
16.1 5G Integration
16.2 IoT and Smart Devices Support
16.3 Cloud WAN Management
17. Conclusion
18. References
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Wireless Wide Area Network
(WWAN)
Presented by: TEHREEM FATIMA
DAE– CIT 3rd year
Roll no : 2314
Supervisor:
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2. Executive Summary
The implementation of a Wireless Wide Area Network (Wireless
WAN)represents a strategic step forward for modern organizations seeking
scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency in their networking infrastructure.
Unlike traditional wired WANs, Wireless WAN leverages cellular
networks,microwave links, and satellite communications to connect
geographically dispersed locations without the need for extensive cabling.
This project proposal outlines the plan to design, deploy, and maintain a
highly secure,reliable, and performance-optimized Wireless WAN for
institutional and enterprise use. The core objectives include ensuring
uninterrupted connectivity, enhancing mobility for remote users, and
reducing operational overhead by leveraging modern wireless technologies
such as LTE and 5G.
The proposed implementation will follow a phased approach:
1. Planning & Design Determining requirements, selecting topology, and
preparing technical blueprints.
2. Procurement & Setup Acquiring the necessary hardware, software, and
licenses.
3. Deployment & Testing Installing devices, configuring network policies,
and ensuring stability.
4. Maintenance & Monitoring Establishing security protocols, backup
strategies, and troubleshooting procedures.
Ultimately, the Wireless WAN will serve as the backbone of organizational
communication, enabling seamless data transfer, remote collaboration, and
high-speed internet access across multiple branches without the physical
constraints of wired infrastructure.
3. Introduction
3.1 Overview of WAN
A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that spans large geographical
areas, connecting multiple smaller networks such as Local Area Networks
(LAN's) or Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). Traditionally, WANs rely
on leased lines, optical fiber cables, or MPLS (Multi protocol Label
Switching) to establish connectivity between distant sites. These networks
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are crucial for enabling organizations with multiple locations to operate as a
unified system, sharing data, applications, and resources efficiently.
3.2 Overview of Wireless WAN
A Wireless WAN is a variant of the WAN that uses wireless transmission
methods, such as cellular broadband, microwave links, and satellite instead
of physical cabling. Wireless WANs are increasingly popular due to their:
1. Rapid deployment capabilities
2. Lower installation costs
3. Enhanced mobility for remote workers
4. Scalability for expanding organizations
These networks are particularly beneficial for industries operating in remote
or infrastructure-poor regions, where laying cables would be expensive or
impractical.
3.3 Importance of Wireless WAN in Modern Networking
In the digital era,mobility and flexibility are vital. Organizations are
embracing remote work, IOT (Internet of Things), and cloud-based
applications all of which require secure, high-speed, and reliable
connectivity. Wireless WAN:
Eliminates dependency on fiber availability
Supports redundancy and fail-over for business continuity
Reduces the time from project initiation to full deployment
Offers compatibility with emerging 5G networks for future-proofing
The implementation of Wireless WAN is not just a technical upgrade
it’s a strategic investment in organizational efficiency, resilience, and growth
potential.
4. Project Objectives
The primary objectives of this project are to design, implement, and
maintain a robust Wireless Wide Area Network that meets the operational
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needs of the organization while ensuring scalability, security, and cost-
effectiveness. The detailed goals are:
1. Establish seamless inter-connectivity between geographically dispersed
locations without reliance on traditional cabling.
2. Leverage modern wireless technologies (4G LTE, 5G, microwave) to
ensure high bandwidth and low latency.
3. Ensure secure data transmission through encryption, VPN tunnels, and
firewall configurations.
4. Enable mobility and remote access for employees working off-site or in
the field.
5. Provide network redundancy to guarantee business continuity in case of
hardware failure or primary link disruption.
6. Minimize deployment time compared to wired WAN implementation.
7. Create a cost-efficient solution that optimizes both capital expenditure
(CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX).
Achieving these objectives will future-proof the organization’s networking
infrastructure, enabling it to adapt to new technologies and demands without
complete overhauls.
5. Scope and Limitations
5.1 Scope
The project will include:
1. Network Design – Selection of appropriate topology (hub-and-spoke,
mesh, or hybrid).
2. Hardware Procurement – Acquisition of routers, antennas, access
points, and network monitoring tools.
3. Software Setup – Installation of management systems, firewalls, and
VPN services.
4. Deployment – Configuring wireless links between all branch offices and
the headquarters.
5. Testing – Verifying connectivity, speed, and fail over capabilities.
6. Training – Educating the network administration team on operation and
troubleshooting.
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7. Security Implementation – Applying encryption, access control, and
intrusion prevention measures.
5.2 Limitations
While Wireless WAN offers numerous benefits, certain limitations must be
acknowledged:
1. Signal Interference Weather conditions, physical obstructions, and
electromagnetic interference may affect performance.
2.Bandwidth Limitations Wireless technologies have bandwidth caps
compared to high-end fiber connections.
3. Coverage Restrictions Remote locations with poor cellular coverage may
require additional infrastructure.
4. Security Risks Wireless links are inherently more vulnerable to
interception if not properly secured.
5. Regulatory Compliance Adherence to national telecommunication
regulations is mandatory.
6. Technical Background
6.1 WAN Technologies Overview
Wide Area Network (WAN) is designed to connect devices across large
geographic areas, enabling communication between multiple smaller
networks such as LAN's and MANs. Traditionally, WANs rely on:
Leased Lines Dedicated point-to-point connections provided by ISPs.
MPLS (Multi protocol Label Switching) High-performance
telecommunication routing method.
Frame Relay Packet-switching technology for cost-effective, medium-
speed data transmission.
DSL & Cable Broadband Widely available but limited by infrastructure.
Fiber Optics Offers extremely high bandwidth but involves costly
installation.
These solutions are effective but have drawbacks like; installation delays,
dependency on physical cabling, and high maintenance costs
6.2 Wireless WAN Technologies
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Wireless WAN eliminates the need for physical cables by using wireless
signals to transmit data. The primary wireless WAN technologies include:
6.2.1 LTE (Long Term Evolution)
Speed: Up to 100 Mbps download, 50 Mbps upload (theoretical).
Advantages: Widely available, lower cost, easy deployment.
Limitations:Performance decreases with distance from cell tower.
6.2.2 5G
Speed Up to 10 Gbps (theoretical).
Advantages: Ultra-low latency, supports IoT and high-density
connections.
Limitations: Requires new infrastructure; coverage is still expanding.
6.2.3 Microwave Links
Speed:Typically 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
Advantages: Stable performance for fixed point-to-point connections.
Limitations: Line-of-sight requirement; weather interference possible.
6.2.4 Satellite Internet
Speed: 50–250 Mbps depending on provider.
Advantages :Covers remote and rural areas with no cellular coverage.
Limitations: High latency, expensive equipment.
6.3 Comparison: Wired vs. Wireless network
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6.4 Relevant WAN Protocols
The success of a Wireless WAN depends heavily on communication
protocols that ensure reliability, security, and compatibility.
PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) Encapsulates network layer protocol
information for transmission.
MPLS Ensures efficient packet forwarding with minimal latency.
IP-sec (Internet Protocol Security) Provides encryption for secure
transmission over public networks.
GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation) Encapsulates a wide variety of
network protocols for tunneling.
Why Technical Background Matters for Implementation
A deep understanding of these technologies ensures proper selection ,
optimal configuration, and long-term scalability for the Wireless WAN. This
knowledge also helps anticipate challenges such as signal
degradation,protocol incompatibilities, and security loopholes before they
impact real-world operations.
7. System Requirements
A successful Wireless WAN implementation requires careful planning of the
resources needed before deployment begins. These requirements fall into
three main categories: hardware, software, and environmental &
infrastructure considerations.
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7.1 Hardware Requirements*
Minimum Hardware Requirements:
Processor:Intel Core i3 (8th Gen) or equivalent
RAM: 4 GB DDR4
Storage: 250 GB HDD or 120 GB SSD
Wireless Network Adapter: IEEE 802.11ac compatible
WWAN Module/Modem:4G LTE or 5G compatible module
Router/Access Point Supports WAN + Wireless WAN configuration
Peripherals: Keyboard, Mouse, Basic networking cables (Cat6)
Recommended Hardware Requirements:
Processor:Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) or higher
\RAM: 8 GB DDR4 or higher
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Wireless Network Adapter: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) compatible
WWAN Module/Modem: 5G NR with backward compatibility to 4G LTE
Router/Access Point: Dual-band with advanced firewall features
7.2 Software Requirements
Operating System:
Windows 10/11 (64-bit) or Linux (Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or later)
Application Software:
1. Cisco Packet Tracer 8.x or later (for simulation)
2. Microsoft Office Suite or LibreOffice (for documentation)
3. Web Browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox)
4. PDF Reader (Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Additional Tools:
Wireshark (for network packet analysis)
VPN Client (for secure WAN testing)
Network Configuration Utility (device manufacturer-specific)
7.3 Environmental & Infrastructure Requirements
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Environmental Conditions:
Operating Temperature: 18°C – 27°C
Humidity: 40% – 60% RH (non-condensing)
Ventilation: Proper airflow to prevent overheating of routers and modems
Electrical Infrastructure:
Stable power supply (220–240V AC, 50 Hz)
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for continuous operation
Surge protection for sensitive networking devices
Network Infrastructure:
WWAN-compatible router/modem connected to the ISP’s network
SIM card with active mobile data plan (4G/5G)
Ethernet cabling (Cat6 or higher) for LAN segments
Sufficient wireless coverage for intended area
Workspace Setup:
Secure and dust-free equipment location
Cable management and labeling
Proper antenna placement for optimal WWAN signal strength
8. Network Design & Architecture
8.1 Proposed Topology Diagram
Proposed WWAN architecture follows a Hybrid Star-Mesh topology with a
central WWAN gateway router connected to ISP via 4G/5G, distribution via
wireless access points, and access layer for end devices.
8.2 Logical vs. Physical Design
Logical Design:
- Defines data flow, IP addressing, VLAN segmentation, and routing
protocols.
- Shows communication between devices regardless of physical location.
Physical Design:
- Shows physical placement of hardware including routers, antennas, and
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APs.
- Includes distance, antenna height, and network racks.
8.3 IP Addressing Scheme
Core Router (WWAN Gateway): 192.168.0.1 / 255.255.255.0 / DHCP
Enabled
Branch Office 1: 192.168.1.0/24 / 255.255.255.0 / Gateway: 192.168.1.1
Branch Office 2: 192.168.2.0/24 / 255.255.255.0 / Gateway: 192.168.2.1
Management VLAN: 192.168.10.0/24 / 255.255.255.0 / Gateway:
192.168.10.1
8.4 Hardware Placement Plan
- WWAN Gateway Router: Central, climate-controlled location.
- WWAN Antennas: Elevated points for maximum coverage.
- Access Points: Strategically placed to eliminate dead zones.
- Switches: Near workstations needing wired connections.
- UPS Units: With critical devices for uninterrupted power.
9. Implementation Plan
9.1 Planning Phase
Conduct site survey for signal reception.
Finalize topology, IP addressing, and security policies.
Prepare bill of materials (BOM).
9.2 Procurement Phase
- Purchase routers, antennas, AP's, and security devices.
- Acquire software licenses and monitoring tools.
9.3 Installation & Configuration Phase
- Install WWAN router and configure ISP credentials.
- Deploy antennas and align for optimal signal.
- Configure IP addressing, DHCP, and VLANs.
- Set SSIDs, encryption, and authentication methods.
9.4 Testing Phase
- Perform connectivity and speed tests.
- Test fail over and redundancy.
- Verify firewall and access control functionality.
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10. Security Considerations
10.1 Threat Analysis
- Unauthorized wireless access
- Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks
- Data interception
- Denial of Service (DOS) attacks
10.2 Security Protocols and Policies
- Enforce WPA3 encryption
- RADIUS authentication
- MAC filtering
- Regular firmware updates
10.3 Firewall & Access Control Configurations
- Block unused ports
- Define ACLs for resource restriction
- Enable IPS on firewall
10.4 Data Encryption Strategies
- IPSec VPN for branch-to-branch communication
- End-to-end encryption with TLS 1.3
- Secure file transfers via SFTP/FTPS
11. Network Administration Tasks
11.1 Monitoring Tools & Practices
- Use network monitoring tools like PRTG, SolarWinds, or Nagios.
- Monitor bandwidth usage, latency, and packet loss.
- Set up alerts for abnormal network activity.
- Implement performance baselines for proactive maintenance.
11.2 Backup & Recovery Plans
- Maintain regular backups of configuration files and critical data.
- Store backups both onsite and in secure cloud storage.
- Schedule automated backups at least weekly.
- Test recovery process periodically to ensure reliability.
11.3 Routine Maintenance
- Apply firmware and software updates regularly.
- Inspect hardware for wear, overheating, or dust accumulation.
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- Check signal strength and adjust antennas if needed.
- Review and optimize configurations quarterly.
11.4 Log Management
- Enable logging on routers, firewalls, and access points.
- Use centralized log servers for secure storage.
- Review logs weekly for suspicious activity.
- Retain logs according to compliance requirements.
12. Troubleshooting Methods
12.1 Common Wireless WAN Issues
- Weak or unstable signal
- High latency or jitter
- Interference from other wireless devices
- Authentication or encryption errors
12.2 Diagnostic Tools & Techniques
- Ping and trace-route for connectivity tests
- Speed-test for bandwidth analysis
- Wireshark for packet inspection
- Signal analyzers for interference detection
12.3 Corrective Actions
- Reposition antennas or install boosters
- Change wireless channels to avoid interference
- Update firmware on devices
- Reset and reconfigure equipment when necessary
13. Case Studies
13.1 Case Study 1 – Corporate Wireless WAN Deployment
A multinational company deployed WWAN to connect multiple branches,
using 5G routers and VPN encryption for secure inter-office communication.
Performance improved by 40% compared to the previous satellite
connection.
13.2 Case Study 2 – Educational Campus Wireless WAN
A university implemented WWAN to connect remote campuses for online
learning. Using hybrid LTE and microwave links, the network achieved
99.5% uptime and seamless video conferencing capabilities.
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13.3 Case Study 3 – Rural Area Wireless WAN for Internet Access
A rural development program deployed WWAN using LTE towers to
deliver internet to under-served areas. Affordable data plans and community
Wi-Fi hotspots enabled over 3,000 residents to access digital services.
14. Cost Analysis & Budget
14.1 Equipment Cost Breakdown Table
14.2 Licensing & Software Costs
- Cisco Packet Tracer (Educational License): Free
- Wireshark: Free
- VPN Software License: $150/year
14.3 Installation & Maintenance Costs
- Installation labor: $500
- Annual maintenance contract: $300
- Total Yearly Maintenance: $800
15. Risk Assessment
15.1 Identified Risks
- Network downtime due to hardware failure
- Data breaches from unauthorized access
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- Environmental damage to outdoor equipment
- ISP service interruptions
15.2 Mitigation Strategies
- Use redundant WWAN routers for failover
- Implement strict access controls and encryption
- Weatherproof all outdoor devices
- Have backup ISP or satellite link for emergencies
16. Future Scope & Upgrades
16.1 5G Integration
Upgrade to full 5G coverage for higher bandwidth and lower latency,
enabling advanced real-time applications.
16.2 IoT and Smart Devices Support
Integrate IOT sensors and devices for smart building management,
predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring.
16.3 Cloud WAN Management
Implement cloud-based WAN orchestration for centralized configuration,
monitoring, and troubleshooting from any location.
17. Conclusion
The implementation of a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) offers
significant benefits in terms of flexibility, scalability, and connectivity
across vast geographical areas. With proper planning, robust security
measures, and efficient management, WWAN can serve as a reliable
backbone for corporate, educational, and rural communication needs.
18. References
- Cisco Networking Academy. (2024). CCNA Curriculum.
- IEEE 802.11 & 802.16 Wireless Standards Documentation.
- Official Wireshark User Guide.
- Solar-winds Network Monitoring Best Practices.
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