Wireless

Published December 29, 2011

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Overview

Wireless technology facilitates data communication through electromagnetic signals. Systems can communicate, share resources, and transfer data without wires or cables. You can even connect to the Internet using a wireless router and wireless adapter. Many stores and restaurants are now offering wireless Internet access at "hotspot" locations.

Wireless technology can be configured to prevent unauthorized people from using networks and systems. You can equip your system with a username and password to limit access to certain features and to keep intruders out.

Wireless technology tends to be more expensive than wired technology. In any case, your costs will vary depending on your needs, security requirement, desired speeds, and areas of coverage.

Benefits

Wireless technology offers many benefits to organizations, businesses, and home users. You can save time and money by streamlining your processes and by sharing resources. You can also set up your area in such a way that you can access the Internet from anywhere. Maintenance costs are low, and you completely eliminate the need for cables.

How It Works

There are two types of wireless broadband connections: fixed and mobile. Fixed wireless services can be used at a home or home office, and mobile services can be used with cell phones, laptops, and other portable devices. Most wireless phones use digital technology, which converts binary digits into packets of data that are transmitted across wireless signals.

Wireless communication takes place through three basic modes: radio frequency, microwave, and infrared communication. Wireless networks include wireless personal area networks (PAN), wireless local area networks (LAN), wireless metropolitan area networks (MAN), and mobile device networking.

A wireless local networking is a local area network (LAN) that connects two or more LANs using a wireless distribution method. It transfers data at speeds ranging from 1 Mbps to 54 Mbps. A WLAN signal can cover an area of a radius of 65 feet to 300 feet. A wireless wide area network (WWAN) is used to connect LANs in different areas, but they are considerably slower than wireless LANs.