Wireless Technology

Wireless Networks and Technology

Most agree that wireless networking represent the future of computer and Internet connectivity worldwide. Wi-Fi continues to be the pre-eminent technology for building general-purpose wireless networks.

What is Wireless Networking?

In computer networking, wireless technology is a modern alternative to networks that use cables. A wireless network transmits data by microwave and other radio signals.

Benefits of (Wireless) Networking

Any kind of network technology (either wired or wireless) increases the usefulness of home and business computers. Wireless networks offer even more benefits than wired ones.

Wired vs Wireless Network Technology

This article explains the pros and cons of both wireless and wired (cabled) technology as used in local area computer networks.

Wireless Network Gear - Routers Access Points Adapters

A wireless network may contain several different types of equipment. Use this guide to learn about each type of network gear including routers, access points and adapters.

Effects of Wireless on Your Health

Some people speculate that prolonged exposure to wireless network devices - routers, access points, and laptops - can cause memory loss or other brain damage. Is there any scientific basis for these concerns?

Common examples of wireless equipment include:

• Telemetry control and traffic control systems
• Infrared and ultrasonic remote control devices
• Modulated laser light systems for point to point communications
• Professional LMR (Land Mobile Radio) and SMR (Specialized Mobile Radio) typically used by business, industrial and Public Safety entities.
• Consumer Two way radio including FRS Family Radio Service, GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) and Citizens band ("CB") radios.
• The Amateur Radio Service (Ham radio).
• Consumer and professional Marine VHF radios.
• Airband and radio navigation equipment used by aviators and air traffic control
• Cellular telephones and pagers: provide connectivity for portable and mobile applications, both personal and business.
• Global Positioning System (GPS): allows drivers of cars and trucks, captains of boats and ships, and pilots of aircraft to ascertain their location anywhere on earth.
• Cordless computer peripherals: the cordless mouse is a common example; keyboards and printers can also be linked to a computer via wireless using technology such as Wireless USB or Bluetooth
• Cordless telephone sets: these are limited-range devices, not to be confused with cell phones.
• Satellite television: Is broadcast from satellites in geostationary orbit. Typical services use direct broadcast satellite to provide multiple television channels to viewers.

Applications of wireless technology

 Mobile telephones

One of the best-known examples of wireless technology is the mobile phone, also known as a cellular phone, with more than 4.6 billion mobile cellular subscriptions worldwide as of the end of 2010 These wireless phones use radio waves to enable their users to make phone calls from many locations worldwide. They can be used within range of the mobile telephone site used to house the equipment required to transmit and receive the radio signals from these instruments.

Wireless data communications

Wireless data communications are an essential component of mobile computing^.The various available technologies differ in local availability, coverage range and performance, and in some circumstances, users must be able to employ multiple connection types and switch between them. To simplify the experience for the user, connection manager software can be used, or a mobile VPN deployed to handle the multiple connections as a secure, single virtual network.Supporting technologies include:

Wi-Fi is a wireless local area network that enables portable computing devices to connect easily to the Internet^{[citation needed]}. Standardized as IEEE 802.11 a,b,g,n, Wi-Fi approaches speeds of some types of wired Ethernet. Wi-Fi has become the de facto standard for access in private homes, within offices, and at public hotspots.Some businesses charge customers a monthly fee for service, while others have begun offering it for free in an effort to increase the sales of their goods.

Cellular data service offers effective coverage within a range of 10-15 miles from the nearest cell site. Speeds have increased as technologies have evolved, from earlier technologies such as GSM, CDMA and GPRS, to 3G networks such as W-CDMA, EDGE or CDMA2000.

Mobile Satellite Communications may be used where other wireless connections are unavailable, such as in largely rural areas or remote locations.Satellite communications are especially important for transportation, aviation, maritime and military use.

Wireless energy transfer

Main article: Wireless energy transfer

Wireless energy transfer is a process whereby electrical energy is transmitted from a power source to an electrical load that does not have a built-in power source, without the use of interconnecting wires.

Computer interface devices

Answering the call of customers frustrated with cord clutter, many manufactures of computer peripherals turned to wireless technology to satisfy their consumer base. Originally these units used bulky, highly limited transceivers to mediate between a computer and a keyboard and mouse, however more recent generations have used small, high quality devices, some even incorporating Bluetooth. These systems have become so ubiquitous that some users have begun complaining about a lack of wired peripherals.Wireless devices tend to have a slightly slower response time than their wired counterparts, however the gap is decreasing. Initial concerns about the security of wireless keyboards have also been addressed with the maturation of the technology.