Wireless technologies, how it works

Modern technology has much simplified our everyday tasks. Wireless technologies have contributed a lot to this, being one of the most advanced and fastest growing in demand. Wireless technology made it a lot easier to unite different kinds of devices under one group in order to share information. This all works wirelessly, allowing the connected devices to stay on the go, not bound to the cable, and still remain online. So, what is the wireless technology? To answer this question we need to understand what is a computer network.

This is an integration of computers, laptops and other devices into one group aiming at exchanging information, files, communication, sharing of resources and so on.

To organise these networks one can use either wired or wireless type of connection. In the first case it is clear – the connection is done via a cable. But in the second case things are a bit more complicated. Today we have several wireless technologies – WiFi, Bluetooth and WiMAX.

They all work on the radio waves. That means that the data transfer occurs using a specific radio frequency. The difference between them is only in the latitude and the frequency of the wave. With these technologies, you can create a computer network without any cables. This greatly simplifies the man work, as well as reduces expenses on cables, connectors etc.

Wireless network is the same computer network, but organized without any wires. That is, all connections are made via radio channels. At the same time when it comes to WiFi technology, the data transfer rate stands in line with cable connection. The coverage of one access point reaches 100 meters within direct eyesight and 10 meters in apartments and offices.

Bluetooth cannot offer such a data rate and range, but it is very appropriate and useful in certain cases. WiMAX – is a mobile technology< that provides users with access to high speed internet.

WiFi technology is most popular in organizing of a private network groups, as it is most efficient when it comes to determine the compromise between price and operation coverage.

Moreover, any modern laptop, smartphone, tablet, TV, printer and other equipment has a built-in WiFi module. This makes the technology fully universal and ideal solution for home and office.

WiMAX is in many aspects similar to WiFi technology. The main difference here is in coverage – WiMAX can reach supported devices within 30 miles distance from the transmitter. Even though it has a larger coverage range, WiMAX devices are bigger, considerably more expensive and are not that energy efficient. More likely it can be used to connect one large computer network to another in places where cable connection is limited or not efficient.

There are several types of wireless networks that differ in scale:

PAN – the simplest type of connection that unites together devices of one owner like a PC, laptop, tablet and smartphone located in the same apartment;

LAN – more popular type of connection. AN in this case means Area Network, L – local (local). Such networks connect two or more computers in the same apartment or in the whole building;

CAN – campus communication, which is able to combine several closely spaced buildings;

MAN – it is the second largest type of connection that can connect computers within a single or even several neighboring towns;

WAN – the so-called global network that can connect subscriber units within the entire regions and countries.

As you may have guessed,  PAN and LAN are only used for private purposes. However, it should be noted that WAN can integrate all these connection types, providing users with access to the Internet.

For example, organizing a home WiFi network with a router, the user can connect the whole network to the Internet plugging in the cable from ISP. The network will then get access to global web.

Wireless communication technologies are in demand nowadays, so they have great prospects. In the future, people will be able to completely abandon the wired connection and go mobile. This is not only convenient, but also profitable, as cable internet is quite expensive.